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02/06/2022 01:32 AM  Alternate Route Pt. 1: Aftermath The last whole rotation had been full chaos from start to the present. Kaller had started as just another support mission for Experimental Unit Clone Force 99. It was supposed to be an in and out and ensure the Siege was victorious under the Jedi General and the Battalion under her. They'd accomplished all but one last wave of Klankers headed in their direction, to which they'd have made short work of. The young Padawan Learner, Caleb Dume if they remembered his name well enough, was eager to follow them into battle. He'd already proven his ability to keep up at the breakneck pace they operated on when he'd met them at the rendezvous point just minutes earlier. In fact, he'd beat them back to his Master and the Clone Troopers he served with, though it was likely only for the reason they had to slow their pace in order to take out the approaching Droids effectively with as little expended energy as possible. He'd have probably been right beside them if they hadn't had to stall and that was impressive enough. However, the first moment of the slew of unexpected and chaotic mishaps began in that very click the Commander was granted permission to join them. The Bad Batch heard the familiar and yet unheard voice speak over the COMMs within their buckets. It was the Supreme Chancellor's voice, but he had taken a strange tone that he'd never used before, even to the Clones. It was malicious, dark... evil. It was not the charming, charismatic and wise manner they were accustomed to. Not only that, but he uttered something they were clueless as to the meaning of. "Execute Order Sixty-Six." They were unable to question the orders, as the sounds of blaster fire and a laser sword resonated from behind them. The young Commander paused and quickly turned, and the Batch did the same. They all found themselves watching in horror and surprise as Commander Grey, Captain Styles and their men began to shoot with the intent to kill the General. All six of them moved to intercept, but the Regs finished the job in mere seconds. The last dying screams of the Jedi Master echoed in a cryptic and haunting wail through the snow dusted landscape. Her final moments were spent telling her Apprentice to run and giving her life to stall her own men long enough for her Padawan to escape the same fate. The poor boy was distressed and overcome by fear. Betrayal set in and he did not waste time or risk falling for a trap. Good intentions or not, Commander Dume bolted and refused to be anywhere near even the Bad Batch. Hunter and Crosshair tried splitting off and going after him with every intention of escorting him off-world and someplace safe, but the boy did not listen or concede. Instead, he nearly killed them both in an effort to escape, then appeared to try and kill himself by leaping over what would have been an impossible-to-cross ravine, only to prove his skill yet again by landing safely on the opposite side. The two Troopers were left with only one choice, fire their blasters and cover the boy's tracks in hopes to convince the Regs he fell to his death. It worked well enough, and their reports would not give any further suspicion either. They were recalled back to Kamino, only to have a Fighter escort intercept and request clearance codes. The Havoc Marauder was a familiar and very distinctive. There was no other modified Omicron-Class Attack Shuttle in the GAR with the distinctive painting of Senator Amidala upon the helm. True, it was not unheard of for Droids to steal Republic vessels to sneak behind enemy lines, but this was the Bad Batch... Tech would've sooner blown the shuttle to pieces when the alert appeared upon his vambrace. A hijacked Havoc Marauder would've never made it to Kamino, thus it was common knowledge to simply let them pass through and dock without questions. It seemed protocol was being heavily enforced. Upon landing, Clone Force 99 was informed of the end to the Clone War. The Separatists had been defeated and collapsed after the death of General Grievous. Several litters of Jedi bodies draped in white sheets were being carried across the facility from one landing pad to another. They were all a mixture of Generals and Padawan Commanders. They had all been killed by their own men, but even after the reason was given for such brutality, it didn't make sense. The Jedi would have never betrayed anyone, especially not the Republic or the democratic society they upheld. Something was very wrong. A mandatory assembly elaborated on the plot of deception against the Chancellor himself as well as the Galaxy was held. Even still none of it made sense and a feeling of distrust started to rise within the Experimental Unit. The Chancellor becoming the first Galactic Empire didn't sit well either. Kamino seemed more like a staging area for zombified pawns rather than Clone Troopers. There was no longer laughter, pride, individuality or free thought. They were all loyal to the Empire and did not seem to question the sudden fall of the Republic and rise of the Empire, nor the uncharacteristic change in the Jedi Order. Tech informed his vode of the programming in the Regs which likely attributed to their loyalty. He also explained that their enhanced mutations were possibly causing them to resist it, including Echo's cybernetic changes by the Techno Union despite the ARC Trooper being a former Reg himself. The only break in the chaos was a tiny little being who'd introduced herself as 'Omega'. She was female, but bore the same features as they did, though she carried the blonde hair color that a small handful of Clones were produced with. She was the first one to acknowledge them as equals and seemed drawn to them rather than repulsed. In turn, all five men of Clone Force 99 were drawn to her. The six of them forged a rather strong bond rather quickly, which in itself was unusual as the Troopers had never had experience with children, and the girl was clearly not a soldier. Still, she stuck up for them during mess and did not falter during the ensuing food fight with the Regs, whom had taken a rather crude jab at them. Echo took a direct blow to the head in order to spare her from being harmed for whatever strange instinctual reason he couldn't explain, other than it wasn't right to attack a child with the intent to harm no matter what they might have said or done. Omega escorted him to the medbay and stayed with him until he woke. She even soothed him when he entered into a small fit under the examination in the infirmary by the Medical Surgical Droid AZI-345211896246498721347. She volunteered to take full responsibility for the mess hall fight. A visit from Admiral Tarkin saw the Batch separated from the girl for a time. It appeared they were being tested to ensure they were as efficient and valuable as they were projected to be. It was a combat proficiency exam to determine their place in the soon-to-be Imperial Army, as well as to answer the question concerning the necessity for continued Clone production, or switching to the cheaper alternative of conscripted soldiers. Despite being used as living targets for live fire by a new type of Battle Bot, the Batch came out on top and seemingly did so impressing the Admiral, even if Wrecker and Tech had taken hits. To further determine their worth, Tarkin assigned them a mission to Onderon to destroy a band of 'Separatist Insurgents', and he did not leave room for refusal. Before departing, Omega warned them of the possibility they were being sent on a suicide mission. She tried to tell them not to come back, and even tried to convince them to let her tag along so they could all be safer than on the rapidly changing Kamino. She was frightened and concerned for them all, but they hadn't listened. Their inexperience with children was to blame. Sure enough, they were proven foolish. The 'Separatist Insurgents' were nothing more than former Republic fighters and loyalists who refused to fall under the Empire's rule. Saw Gerrera, who'd once fought alongside them to free Onderon from Confederate reign, illuminated the truth in full and made them realize their suspicions were correct. They no longer agreed to complete the mission and immediately headed back to Kamino to retrieve the girl, whom Tech identified as another Fett Clone like themselves, only she was not altered as they had been. They were arrested upon arrival, their failure to comply documented and reported by a Probe Droid that Hunter had unfortunately been unaware of. This was enough to charge them with treason and Tarkin personally saw to it they were thrown in the brig with full intentions of sending them for reprogramming. Their plan to spring Omega and leave was not entirely wasted, for she had been put into the same detention cell as they were. Unfortunately, they'd been stripped of their armor, weapons and other gear. Only their Blacks remained, but that didn't deter them from plotting escape. Their one and only opportunity was the moment the Coruscant Guards tried to take Echo first for reprogramming, though it was done upon a whim rather than actually plotted out. The ARC Trooper didn't refuse, but Hunter was unwilling to allow his Squad to be separated for any reason. They would all go or none of them went. When a Corie winded him with a blaster to the abdomen, Crosshair, Tech and Wrecker acted out of instinct and protective rage and jumped the unsuspecting Guards. Echo joined in as well, leaving Omega to tend to the Sergeant. The Squadron and their newest member made a fast exit to the hanger bay where their ship and their entire barracks of belongings were waiting. The Boys were quick to armor up and prepare for departure. Their 'sister' stayed close and assisted however she could, including finding and keeping a safe hold upon Wrecker's beloved Tooka doll, Lula. They had nearly finished loading as much supplies and ammunition they could fit when the doors of the landing pad were finally opened despite Tech and Echo's best efforts to disable the controls. Cories stormed the hanger and positioned themselves behind supply crates, blocking the exit and yet surrounding the Batch in a half circle. The Squadron responded by ducking behind cover themselves and preparing to fire in retaliation and self-preservation. Another wave of Clones adorned in solid black and polished armor appeared some moments later. The lead, a Commander by the rank pins upon his left breast, took the center with little to no concern for his own safety in the open. He removed his semi-familiar helmet and tucked it under his left arm. Even when their own buckets were on, except for Hunter, the Batchers seemed to express a horrified, surprised and hesitant posture. "Is that... Commander Cody?" Wrecker asked in confusion and wariness. The Sergeant took a long, slow and deep breath, trying to maintain his composure despite his own discomfort at the sudden change in situation. He was faced with a difficult choice no Clone should ever have to make, whether to fight their own brothers or save innocent lives by defecting and standing up for what's morally right. His body stayed protectively over Omega's, his frame becoming a protective shield as he knelt with her behind a supply crate. His focus was upon the Marshal Commander, however, their gazes locking with one another in a rather intense and heavy aura. "You and your boys stand down, Sergeant. Don't make me resort to violence against you. I owe you all my life and you're all still my vode'ika. I'd rather bring you in quietly and without incident so we can help you correct the mistakes you made on Onderon. It's not too late to save you Boys from the Jedi's brainwashing." the former Commander of he 212th Battalion began slowly and placidly. Despite the cold, calculating and hyper-focused expression in his eyes and on his face, his voice was reasonably gentle and honest. His conditioning by the Kaminoans was in full effect, but he had enough free will remaining to be reasonable and patient. The words he spoke sank in quickly, but did not sit well in place. Hunter slowly rose to his feet and stepped out from behind the crates, motioning for Omega to stay hunkered down and safe. He stood in full exposure in a brave, brazen and confident stance, and his focus never removed itself from Cody. "All do respect, Commander, I can't do that. Whatever is going on isn't right. You and the others... You're not yourselves. You've all lost your minds!" he countered, trying to remain steadfast and reasonable. Cody's expression and posture never wavered. "I understand you and your squad aren't exactly the type to follow orders, but you've never disobeyed mine. I'm disappointed in you, Sergeant. I'm disappointed in all of you for deserting your post and committing treason against the Emperor." he countered with an eerily cool patience that nearly sent chills up the Batch's spines. "We did what we thought was right! We're still trying to do that. Isn't that what you and the other Commanders wanted? Since when is killing civilians, avoiding fair trials or even abolishing democracy the better choice? Have you forgotten what we were born and raised to fight for? Did all those men die for nothing?" the younger retorted, beginning to sound desperate and frustrated to make the other see the error in his ways. It was all so wrong and none of the Regs seemed to be able to see it. Sadly, it was blatantly obvious and not being well hidden, and yet the Regs acted as if it was perfectly normal to suddenly go against everything they'd once believed in. So much of their blood had been spilt for those concepts. What had the dead fought for then? Was it all in vain simply because one man said it was? Who was the Chancellor to decide that anyway? Self proclaimed Emperor or not, it wasn't his sole judgement to determine what was right or wrong. That was not liberty or justice... it was tyranny and dictatorship. There was no honor in serving a government like that. Honor was heavily engrained into their DNA... Going against that was going against their very own existence. With a deep, patient and regretful breath, Cody slowly slipped his bucket back on. When finished, he stood straight backed and retrieved his blaster from his hip holster but did not aim for the Batch just yet. "I'm giving you one last chance, Hunter. Surrender now, or I'll be forced to use any means I deem necessary to detain you. I will kill you and your squad if you refuse. You've already disregarded enough orders today. Let's not continue the pattern and force me to waste good men like you." Hunter cautiously shifted his left arm which was still holding his helmet. It looked as though he'd only been moving it to adjust, but in reality he was silently telling Tech to get onto the ship and get it ready for launch. Tech took notice and slowly started slinking his way towards the Marauder, keeping himself low and behind cover as much as he could to go unnoticed as long as possible. The only time he'd be seen was the last two meters from nearest crate to the steps of the loading ramp. The soft clack of Crosshair's rifle going from 'safe' to 'fire' was faintly heard amongst the Batch, and it perked little Omega's attention as well. Echo and Wrecker didn't hesitate to adjust the status of their weapons the next moment. The very instant Tech lunged to get aboard, the Cories, Cody and the other black armored Troopers would undoubtedly begin firing to stop him. They could not allow him to be hit if they were going to have any chance of getting out of the hanger alive. "Omega..." the Sergeant began to gain the girl's attention. The child looked up at him but did not move from her spot. "Keep your head down and head for the shuttle as fast as you can. If any of us tell you to stop or divert, do not wait." he instructed firmly, but in a hushed volume so only she could hear. He raised his helmet and slipped it over his head, then took a freestanding shooter's position. The Youngling, though terrified and entirely out of her element, nodded in understanding and slowly crept to the edge of the crate and prepared herself to move as soon as the shooting started. "Sorry, Commander. I can't obey orders I know are wrong..." he finally responded to the Marshal Commander. Cody copied the posture. "Then you leave me no choice... Arrest them if you can! Kill them if you can't!" he snapped in full authority. Tech bounded out like a startled beast and vaulted across the entire two meters, then loped up the stairs with the first shots trailing after him. Sparks exploded from the scorched armored plating on the shuttle, large black and red patches painting the dark hull. A few made it passed the door and ricocheted off the interior components of the Marauder, the ping of their path of travel echoing out into the hanger. Hunter ducked behind the crate where he'd been hidden before, narrowly missing a bolt passing through his unarmored abdomen. He briefly gazed over to track down Omega's position and check on her condition, finding her waiting at the opposite end with her hands over the back of her head and Lula's neck squished tight in the crease of her arm. Her eyes were squeezed closed and yelps of surprise and terror occasionally escaped her as bolts pattered the side of the crate only centimeters from her head. He and the others were going to have to draw fire in order to make a safer passage for her. His head turned over the other direction and zeroed in on his youngest sibling. "Crosshair! Cover!" he demanded hurriedly. The Sniper ducked low behind the crate he'd chosen to use as a shield and settled his rifle down across his lap horizontally. He pulled a pair of smoke bombs from his belt and when timed between shots, launched them into the air in a long arch that nearly landed them against the helmets of the Cories. The things exploded with loud hissing pops and smoke quickly created a massive, thick, dark grey wall between the two sides. Blaster bolts still came through the cloud, but they were randomly aimed instead of precisely. "Go, Omega! Get to the shuttle and don't stop!" the Sergeant commanded. The little blonde jolted in surprise and ran to the ramp like a startled Eeopie. Despite the fear she felt, she kept her head ducked down and hands near the back of her head protectively even though it would have done nothing to keep her safe in the end. It was a natural instinct to survive and avoid pain, which was a good start. The four remaining Batchers recollected and regrouped, closing their ranks and backing through the crates towards their ship. Their bodies were also acting as a line of shields to deflect or absorb stray bolts. It was not until they were nearly to the base of the ladder that the hairs on the back of Hunter's neck stood up in alarm. He couldn't see them, but he sensed the presences of the opposing Troopers closing in around them. They were using the cover to advance on them. His concern was for Wrecker and Crosshair who were on the outside flanks and would be targeted first in order to break through the defense. However, he was unable to do anything about it when a black shadow burst from the smoke and slammed into his torso at full speed with a single shoulder. The impact knocked the wind out of him and sent him sprawling to the floor, but his combat training and survival instincts sprang up to the highest levels, giving him enough strength and time to block a crippling blow to the head and brace against the outstretched hands trying to lock around his neck. His blaster was knocked away in the brawl, but so was Cody's... His Squad tried to intervene, but were equally caught in Corie and Dark Trooper assault groups. This turned the battle into a close quarters and hand-to-hand brawl to which both sides excelled greatly. Wrecker was first to shake himself free of the cluster trying to immobilize and or terminate him. Most of them he clobbered with a punch or two and knocked them clean out, but the last two or three were used as flying blunt objects to decommission a few from each of his vode. "Hurry up, Tech!" he bellowed in annoyance and impatience, only briefly looking to the shuttle in a pointed gesture. He also checked upon Omega's status while he had the chance and found her scrambling up the last of the stairs before ducking into the aircraft amidst a few very close blaster bolts from the unoccupied extra Troopers. As if to answer him, the engines of the Havoc Marauder kicked over and began to warm. Cody's head popped up from glaring down at Hunter's visor and scanned the ship's rear. He quickly glanced over his left shoulder. "Shut those bay doors! NOW!" he barked harshly through gritted teeth, feeling the Sergeant beneath him push back in attempts to use the distraction. Hunter slipped passed his defenses and winded him in the guts with both feet coming up between them. Not only did it hurt and stun him, it sent him crashing into a stack of crates that toppled over and pinned him under, doing more damage and restraining him. One of the Troopers rushed to the control panel at the hanger entrance and began to try and shut the outer doors while the others otherwise left standing moved to get the Commander back on his feet. The remainders still engaged with Clone Force 99 continued valiantly to stall for time. "Get onboard!" Tech called via the internal COMM he shared with his brothers and Echo after a minute or two. The Batch quickly rallied and dispensed with the Troopers and Guards and made a run for the open hatch. The Corie that had run to the controls turned almost immediately and started firing on them, his efforts to seal the bay shut were unsuccessful as the controls seemed to be out of commission. The Troopers who'd rallied to Cody, and the Marshal Commander himself who'd been freed the crates, joined in attempts to stop them. Bolts bounced and grazed all around the four Troopers as they crossed the open platform, causing them to either duck or jump in order to avoid being struck. There was also diving and dodging involved in order to turn and make return shots in retaliation. It was a dangerous dance with Death, and yet it was almost admirable how skillful they were at avoiding bolts. Crosshair made it first to the top of the incline and posted to one side of the doorway. With a stable rest to lean on, he pulled off more challenging shots, not that he needed much help while freestanding or running. Still, he had a better visual and ability to track his brothers as well. One of the Troopers managed to draw a bead on Wrecker's back. "WRECKER! DOWN!" the Sniper instructed quickly without averting his focus on said shooter and firing a shot to put him down. Of course he didn't miss, but his shot came just a split second too slow to prevent the other from firing first. The command was responded to with instinctual nature. Wrecker was pushed from behind and forced to duck at a faster pace and out of the line of fire. The bolt bounced off the thick armored plating of the shuttle's outer hull instead, missing Echo's head by centimeters and causing he and Hunter both to backbend mid-stride to avoid crossing paths with the shot and each other. They quickly recovered and helped Wrecker scramble to his feet before skipping steps to board the Marauder. The door began to close and the ship started to rise with blaster fire still passing into the hold through the shrinking opening. Echo hopped into the co-pilot's seat while Wrecker, Hunter and Crosshair surrounded Omega and returned fire until the door was fully closed, acting as both shields and weapons to defend her. They exited the docking bay quickly enough and rushed into the stormy skies, headed for the upper atmosphere at full throttle. It wasn't until they cleared Kamino's gravity that they released a collective breath none of them realized they were holding. "Everybody alright?" Hunter inquired, scanning every individual in the shuttle while waiting for answers. Four adult male voices affirmed alongside a single adolescent female voice. "Are you?" Crosshair questioned in return. The Sergeant nodded honestly and removed his helmet, taking note the others except for Tech did the same. "Shaken but unharmed." "What's our heading?" Tech called back over the rear of the pilot's seat. The entire Squad focused upon their CO, waiting patiently and expectantly for him to answer. However, a much longer pause than usual followed instead. For once, Hunter was absolutely clueless about where to go and what to do. He'd never been a deserter before and neither had his brothers. There was also the fact they'd taken a young girl with them too. None of them knew how to take care of a child, much less a female. They had no idea who was loyal to the Empire and who was not. Their specialty was not staying off the governing body's radar. Not only that, but they'd never really been on their own with no support of some kind from other Clones. Now, they were likely going to be hunted by them. Even more disturbing, it seemed the first Reg they'd ever trusted and worked with was the one leading the charge against them. "Don't you have any friends that could help?" Omega piped up, innocently curious. All eyes leveled on her for a moment, then returned to Hunter. "That's a list that almost doesn't exist." the lanky sniper murmured rather gently, placing a signature toothpick between his teeth. The Sergeant's eyes suddenly lit up with a thought. "I can think of a guy." he responded hopefully. His focus moved forward towards the cockpit. "Set course for J-Nineteen. Saleucami." As the two pilots made the appropriate adjustments and calculations, Omega slowly approached the cockpit and stood between Echo and Tech. Her wide, bright and curious eyes gazed upon the endlessness of space. The Galaxy itself reflected in her amber hues and she was in awe. She was the picture definition of a child exploring the vastness of the universe. "Ever been in space before, Kid?" Wrecker's voice picked up from a quiet pause. He stepped up behind the girl and gently picked her up into his arms, settling her onto his hip so she could get a better look. His own childlike personality was shining brightly in his mismatched hues and he undoubtedly knew exactly how she felt. The little blonde smiled shyly up at him, almost hiding her embarrassed flush behind Lula's head while shaking her own. "Well then, this'll be the best view you'll ever see." Hunter added gently, motioning to the viewport. Tech initiated the Hyperspace sequence a click later. Omega's eyes grew even wider as the stars switched from stationary glittering orbs to bright white streaks. The vast blackness disappeared and a tunnel of holy light surrounded them, a kaleidoscope of white, blue, yellow and red flashing by. "Wow!" she absently beamed with honest, wholesome excitement and joy. It was in that moment the five males realized how incredibly precious childhood was, and how difficult it was becoming to resist growing fond of the child they now came to realize was their sister. Even if she wasn't, her personality, charm and innocence were quite easy to be drawn to. They were battle-hardened men, but even they could appreciate a little joy in their life. Seeing her smile was becoming an unspoken goal, and protecting that was a personal agenda. 0 Comments

11/24/2021 02:15 AM  I've Got You, Brother Long slender legs and arms required a great deal more practice to use than shorter, stocker limbs.  Learning to accomodate for the extra length had been a challenge as Experimental Unit Clone Force 99 had grown up, especially the lankiest of the four Brothers. Crosshair hated the rather 'ugly' stage that had cursed his existence for the first few years of adolescence.  Doing anything aside from walking or running was a hassle. He never seemed to be able to judge the distance or clearance required to hurdle obstacles, balance over narrow walkways, swing a punch or even duck to avoid a blow.  It cost him a lot of time in the infirmary as well as put him in the center of ribbing from his older Brothers and fellow Cadets. Mix that with the fact he was albino and he was often alone. Hunter always took pity on him and did his best to help him work through the horrible agony of growing pains, the sorrow of rejection, as well as the challenge of his own body.  Each and every time Crosshair fell down or struggled to keep up, the eldest Batcher would reach out his hand and assist the youngest. "I've got you, Brother." he assured with a smile. When maturity finally hit and the growth upwards stopped, the youngest finally filled to his frame.  He was still slender, but muscle caught up and he'd finally grown accustomed to his height.  Those gangly legs turned him into the fastest and most indomitable of the four.  His slighter built let him slip through, under and over obstacles like a serpent or weasle.  Taking cover was significantly easier as well and more places were accessible for hiding. His affinity for sharpshooting also let him prove he had something that made him worth while beside phsyical speed.  His eyes were sharper than even Hunter's enhanced vision.  There was nothing that he missed or couldn't hone in on at a rediculous distance.  He never missed and it was awe inspiring when thinking about how far he'd come since a wobbly Cadet. Their first mission out, the quartet was marching through a slippery rainforest planet with a rocky ground even the most surefooted beast would tumble and break a leg on.  They came to an ancient carved stone bridge that had been long worn down by use and weather.  The sides were flat and provided no stopping power if they slipped to one side or the other.  The walkway itself was smooth on the surface and did not provide a great deal of traction, not to mention was plotted full of holes and foottraps that would send any one of them tumbling down the seemingly endless crevace into the planet's inner core. Being the newly promoted Sergeant, Hunter dutifully and confidently began the treck across first. His Brothers followed right behind him with nearly four meters of space between. Nearly half way across, a half-ton block slipped out of place with Hunter stepping right on top of it.  The space it left was wider than his reach and he watched his short life flash in front of his eyes as the overwhelming feeling of falling seized his body.  He did not expect to survive once he endured the several thousand meter drop. His descent suddenly stopped and when his brain caught up, he realized he was dangling.  Something was keeping him from Death's freefall and it was coming from above him. A tethered line ran from his back to the very hole he'd dropped through.  Crosshair stood at the end, bracing at the edge with his long legs.  His Firepuncher was grasped in a vice-like hold in both hands, the wench attachment humming to life to lift the Sergeant while at the same time anchoring the sniper to a massive tree at the end of the bridge just in case he slipped through too, as well as to provide leverage. "I've gotcha, Brother." Cross reassured him. Heat and displaced air alerted Hunter to a plasma bolt rushing by his left ear, then into the center of the Death Droid's head, effectively junking it.  He himself had been in the process of doing the same with his vibroblade, but apparently someone deemed him too slow to kill. As the droid crumpled to the ground, he ripped his blade from the shoulder joint and turned half to the left to follow the still lingering warmth of the bolt's path. He was met with the muzzle of a Firepuncher Rifle aimed in his direction, and a pair of sharp grey-hazel hues behind the scope. Internally, he was relieved to see his Brother assisting.  Outwardly, however, there was still a lingering disappointment and anger from an earlier discussion.  He didn't understand why Crosshair was so stubborn and unwilling to open his eyes.  He knew the chip wasn't helping, and he didn't believe for a single second that it had been removed earlier, but that didn't stop him from feeling a painfully hot rage built up inside of him.  It was not aimed at Cross directly, but at the power the Empire had gained over the youngest of his squad. For a moment, he saw the light of lucidity and the memories of their childhood flashed between them.  The companionship, the respect, the love and compassion that was equal for one another... Everything.  The sniper was with them once again in that moment and he was grateful to see it.  Overwhelmingly relieved that something had finally clicked... A bright red flash of light pierced the direct line of travel from blaster to body, then drilled its way through the body and out the front before diving into the ground at Hunter's feet. The smell of burning flesh and armor hit him first.  The feel of heat and a debilitating agony in his chest came next.  The taste of ionized air washed over his tongue as his jaw slacked with the widening of his eyes and an involuntary gasp for air filled his lungs.  He watched as bright red and oxygenated blood oozed forth from the singed ring left behind in the center of black armor. An expression of pain and surprise overcame Crosshair's face.  His gaze flickered down from his eldest Brother's harvest hues and focused on his own chest.  His arms suddenly became overly burdened by the weight of his rifle and they dropped, sending the beloved Firepuncher clattering to the ground.  The rest of him seemed to almost immediately start shaking and his knees wavered under the weight of his armor and muscle. "Crosshair!" The voice was foreign to the Sergeant, and yet he knew it was his despite the unfamiliar tone it took.  It was stuck between a sorrowful howl and tormented wail. He took no notice of the bolts whizzing by from both sides, many narrowly missing is own essence.  His body instinctively moved without his control and surged forward.  His arms reached out and hands tightly grabbed the nearest perch they could find on the collapsing body. The sound of them hitting the ground together was a loud clatter of gear heavily striking the durasteel floor, and it echoed through the entire facility like no explosive ever would. Every hour of training ever endured was suddenly lost.  All the minutes spent teaching himself to feel numb to emotional pain was for naught.  The countless time trying to prepare himself for the likely event that he would lose one of his Brothers seemed to have suddenly disappeared in less than a blink of an eye. "I've got you, Brother." he whined in a shaky voice that should have belonged to a crying child and not a grown soldier. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched the sniper's eyes pulse in struggle to focus and register his own racing thoughts.  Even for an already albino shaded face, Cross actually seemed to become even more pale.  That infuriatingly paient and steardy tall frame was trembling in his arms as shock set in.  The typically well kept appearance was shattering as blood started seeping upwards into his mouth and spilling out the sides every time he wheezed for another breath of air. "Pressure..." The eldest balked in confusion and surprise when a raspy version of the sniper's voice spoke. "What-?" Sputtering slightly, his youngest sibling dragged his hand forward and ground it against the gaping hole. "Sh*t!  I'm sorry!" the Sergeant responded hastily, repeating both phrases in a panicked montra. He carefully laid the sharpshooter on his back and used both hands to apply pressure to the wound, doing is best to ignore the overpowering sensations of wet heat seeping through his gloves and the scent of iron beginning to nausiate his stomach.  His Brother's life was litteraly in his hands and it was slipping away with each drop that added to the pool spreading over the floor... "TECH!" he screamed like a frightened child. The world was spinning and starting to darken in the borders of his eyesight.  A full on anxiety attack was creeping in on the wings of overstimulation. It felt like ages, but it was only seconds before the brainy sibling manifested on the opposite side of him, medpack thrown down near the sniper's head and fleeting hands rummaging through it. "Hurry up!  He's dying!" the eldest snapped. "I KNOW!" the middle Brother snarled back, though the same unfamiliar tone of panic and desperation appeared out of his mouth too. "Crosshair!" What little part of Hunter's sanity broke the moment Omega's sobbing wail hit his ears.  Even still, the instinct to protect her surged forth and he looked up right at the two shadowing forms lingering nearby. "Echo-!" he huffed quickly. The former ARC Trooper jolted a little out of a slight stupor himself and immediately intercepted the approaching girl.  He had to physically wrap his arm and a half around her body to pin her against him in order to stop her from charging in.  The result was a fierce and valiaent effort to wrangle herself free, but in the end she tired out and could only stand there trying to watch while her body slumped against the man's shoulder. She desperately whipped her head around to the little Medical Droid that had followed her. "AZI!  Help him!  Please!" she begged in the most pathetic and gut wrenching sob. The droid floated over and wedged his way into the cluster, beginning as quickly as possible to evaluate and devise a solution to the problem.  Unfortunately, after only a few seconds, he seemed conflicted with stopping and continuing forward. Despite that obvious sign of the inevitable, neither Tech or Hunter removed themselves or gave up. Crosshair was still breathing.  There was hope.  There was always hope... "Get his armor and blacks off!" the engineer instructed hastily. Reluctantly, Hunter removed his hands and released the pressure if only to work like mad to unbuckle the worthless Imperial armor encasing his little Brother's torso.  AZI joined in despite the earlier hesitation and seemed to humor the effort out of compassion and respect for them and his friend Omega. Cross made a noise that was between a cough, gag and grunt.  His face contorted in agony and he writhed at the slightest movement or touch that irritated the wound. Free of the hard outer shell, the softer blacks were peeled off, soaked almost entirely through with blood on both sides.  Holding them up caused the blood to run in streaming lines of bright red slick. Again the sniper was subjected to torment and responded similarly to the first time. "I'msorry!I'msorry!I'msorry!" Hunter repeated in a mindless slur, replacing his hands to the front of the wound to attempt to plug and stem the flow of life from escaping. Tech quickly prepped both sides of the wounded man's body to attached bacta pads, then proceeded to do so on the back first, forcing AZI to carefully turn the sniper's body over to his left side despite the growls of protest and discomfort.  When finished, he continued on the front side after prying the Sergeant's hands free. A quick jab of pain medication was dosed into the dying soldier's neck, earning a raspy yelp. Seconds passed and Crosshair seemed to breathe a little easier, though his energy level dropped significantly and he was almost unconscious.  Still, he was breathing and responsive despite all. "Wrecker!  Pick him up!  We gotta get him outta here and to the medical bay!" Hunter commanded, jumping to his feet and snatching up the Firepuncher and his Brother's pack. "No time!" Tech countered, springing up and waving his datapad.  "Three Venator-Class just entered the lower atmosphere!  They're preparing to fire!" "Back to the Marauder!" the eldest corrected. Wrecker hefted Crosshair into his arms, doing so as carefully as possible and leaning back to keep the sniper's head against his shoulder and prevent it from bouncing against his chasis. Adrenaline fueled fear and desire to save their Brother sent the Batch racing through the Kaminoan facility at breakneck pace.  The empty halls only seeming to get longer the farther they went.  The silence other than their own boots and breath was eerily profound. The doors appeared as if by magic and opened up into black, storming skies.  Rain pelted them like thousands of insects trying to sting them in defense of a hive.  The outside platforms and walkways were glittering like galaxies as flashes of lightning ripped the clouds in pieces and illuminated the background.  The outdoor lights guided them during breaks of thunderclaps and assisted in navegating them towares their destination. The trio of Star Cruisers lowered below the cloudbanks and began to spread themselves out for even distribution of shooting range.  The artillery decks lit up with a multitude of cannons as they charged in preparation to fire. They entered the main platform.  Omega led them into the bowels of Nala Se's secret lab below the surface of the dark seas outside. The first explosions rocked the room and vibrated through each of their bones as the transport pod manifested from the floor.  Each able bodied figure huddled into the perimeter of the pod's floor and waited for the domed top to rise and seal them inside.  They began their descent and fast-travel towards the distant landing pad where their ship was waiting in seconds. The entire length of the ride was a heavy, pregnant silence.  All held their breath as long as possible in order to hear the wet, gargled breaths of the wounded man's chest.  It was all they had to determine if he was alive or not. The lights flickered around them, and both the tube and pod seemed to drop out of alignment.  The loud, angry sound of building materials breaking under strain was deafening for them all, not just Hunter.  Vibrations rattled their teeth in their jaws from the floor. From the darkness above them, the shadow of a facility platorm came sinking towards the ocean floor on top of them.  The flashes of artillery fire drew their atteniton to the stormy surface beyond.  The Empire was still fireing and destroying all evidence of Tipoca City, and any nonessential materials for Cloning or habitation that had been left behind by the shuttles. The birthplace of the Clones, the only home they'd ever known, was burning to the rolling seas before drowning in the dark waters. "If we don't reach the landing pad before that platform hits..." Echo's voice broke the bloated silence like a needle to a balloon, and yet it was welcomed to distract everyone from their racing thoughts.  Even still, the fact he didn't finish the sentence caused a new wave of anxiety to rise.  He was right though. "I will attempt to boost the power of the pod." AZI offered quickly, hovering over to the console to begin working. The chunk of facility floating downwards towards them only seemed to do so faster as water undoubtedly flooded the compromised building.  Smaller pieces broke off and fell faster, narrowly missing the tube and stirring up sediment at the sea floor as they landed with thunderous rumbles, groans and squeals. A rather large hunk broke loose and was headed right down on top of a section of passage they'd left behind.  Horror filled their bodies when they realized the inevitable was about to happen. The pod shook hard with the aftershock of impact and the sudden loss of power.  The surrounding tube buckled and started to decline towards the ocean floor as the integrity disappeared and followed the weight of the heavy debris.  The illuminators flickered off and left them to tumble in darkness. AZI managed to lock the pod in place before they hit the bottom, but he could do nothing more once the last surge of energy died away. His eyes turned into headlamps and returned visual.  Tech, Hunter, Echo and Omega added in their torches once they were able to find their footing. "Wrecker!  Cross!" Hunter called out desperately. The biggest Brother jerked his head up from nearby.  He was still clutching Crosshair to him, an expression of panic and desperation etched on his scarred face.  One of his hands had come up and settled a short distance from the younger Brother's nose, trying to feel for an exhale. His mismatched hues lifted from the sniper to his older siblings. "I-... I don't-... He's not breathing-!" Tech practically vaulted over the console to reach them and assisted in laying the limp form down on the floor.  His fingers felt for a pulse while the other settled over his kin's ribs in attempt to feel a breath. "F***!" he spat in panicked ire before immediately starting compressions. Luckily, only a few pumps were required before a wheezing gasp and series of sputters responded. Tired and unseeing eyes flickered absently before squeezing closed again. Only a small amount of relief followed. "Hang on, vod." the genius Brother breathed. "How do we get out of here?" Hunter rumbled in a rather unnaturally impatient tone, narrowing his focus onto the droid. "I can cut us free and we should be able to proceed on foot." "Do it.  Now." Within minutes, the Medical Droid had used his weld attachment to cut through the duraglass and into the underwater tunnel.  Because the pod was airtight to the inner circumference, the water that had rushed in behind them was stopped from further following.  They were safe to proceed towards the landing pad on their own feet. They did so with the same swiftenss that got them to the pod in the first place. When the sloping passage took a nearly ninty degree turn straight up, the pod rails were used as a ladder to climb to the surface. AZI took over hefting Crosshair and smoothly floated to the top to allow Wrecker use of his hands to make his own escape. The door slid open with a loud hiss and the pelting rain returned to sting any exposed skin.  The Clones were spared by their armor and helmets, but poor Omega and Crosshair were subjected to the weather.  Neither seemed to respond for their own reasons, however. The Marauder was still waiting safely for them to enter once they exited to the surface. Tech rushed forward and entered the ship to being immediate preperations for take off. "CT-Nine-Nine-Zero-One..." Hunter paused mid-stride to acknowledge AZI, now floating beside Wrecker who'd once again taking hold of the sniper.   The Sergeant's heart dropped to the platform under his feet.  Wrecker was in pieces, the rain doing nothing to hide the tears rolling down his face from under his lifted helmet.  His arms were clutching at the limp body against him, but it wasn't to protect him or keep him sheltered from the cold and rain... It was a last ditch effort to hold onto what was once his little Brother... Sensable thought left the eldest sibling and he rushed over with purpose, tossing his helmet off and away carelessly.  He had to prove them wrong.  He quickly but carefully lifted the lanky frame from the larger arms and knelt down to hover over the body.  He started compressions again. "C'mon, vod!  Don't let go!  I've got you!" he huffed between pumps. He was unaware that his own eyes were flooded with tears that were streaming down his cheeks and disappearing into the rain soaking his hair and rolling down his armor. "Hunter..." He ignored Echo's voice at first. "Hunter, stop." the ARC Trooper attempted again. The sound of Omega weeping soulfully harmonized with the words.  They were muffled, however, undoubtedly being quieted by the chest of the former Reg. The Sergeant still didn't stop. "Hunter!  For Maker's sake!  Stop!  He's gone!" Echo bit out. The entire weight of the world dropped at once onto Hunter's shoulders.  The force of it shattered whatever part of him had held together up until then.  He broke entirely. His body slumped over and his head rested against the unmoving chest.  Sobs rattled his shoulders in heartbreaking wails. His arms soon wrapped around the slender figure and hugged, taking whatever comfort was left out of the contact.  There was still warmth there, but it was not the same as it had been once before... long ago when they were young and the lanky Cadet had been broken by the ill warranted treatment and rejection of his own kin.  That spicy wit and skill that had been birthed from the shadow of loneliness had died the minute the blaster bolt struck his chest... He'd died not knowing freedom... Not knowing the joy of raising Omega... Not knowing that even after everything he'd been manipulated to do, he had been wanted... 0 Comments

10/17/2021 06:59 PM  Military Protocol ***Writer is married mother of two.  Real life romance is never going to happen and I will be busy with no regular schedule. 1] Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and literacy is required.  I do not expect perfection as that is highly unrealistic.  However, don't be a lazy idiot. 2] Multi-paragraph and Novella length only. 3] No real life, wrestling, anthro, furry, or strictly erotic requests. 4] Do not attempt to control the responses of my character(s) or turn the storylne into a one sided plot. 5] Mature/erotic (21+) is accepted but it must be discussed and there will be a plot to accompany it.  Straight up porn is boring. 6] If you use an OC, do not for any reason be that person who thinks it is okay to have a character that is constantly having the worst life in the history of time, is triggered by everything, and has every concievable power ever created.  Use common sense and keep it as close to realism as it gets.  If a canon character is used, stick to their given abilities. 7] Crossovers accepted, but only with compatible verses.  I will no accept your request if your character and role-play details have nothing in common or even possible paths to meld the two verses together. 8] I prefer to stay out of drama as I already have enough in my life.  However, I am not heartless and if we have been writing together for a reasonable amount of time and you feel as though you need an ear, I will listen within reason.  I am not a therapist, however, thus don't make it a regular thing. 9] Can we just be mature, supportive, friendly and have some fun? Thank you for reading and hopefully complying. 0 Comments

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