The Bad Batch: Oneshots

Guilt

     Hunter could sense danger the minute they entered the city. The feeling grew on him as they ventured further into the crowded streets. The Empire's wrath had only become harsher ever since the fall of Kamino. Luckily for the batch, they had managed to remain out of sight of the Empire. Every day, however, they lived in constant fear of being caught. One slip-up, one wrong move, and they would be back to living as fugitives. Hunter glanced down at the little girl who now stood past his hip, making him realize how much she had grown in the past six months. She deserved a life of freedom, a life where she could be a kid. He only wished he was able to give that to her.

Hunter stopped walking, holding a firm hand up. "There it is," he said, staring at the line of stormtroopers marching down the road. The troopers heavily guarded one speeder specifically. That was their target.

"How are we supposed to get the crates?" Omega asked, peering through her pair of binocs.

"I say we blow 'em up!" Wrecker grinned widely, earning him a light nudge from his sister.

"That would draw too much attention."

"Omega is correct," Tech agreed. "We need to split up. One group will need to cause a distraction while the other retrieves the crates."

Hunter nodded. "Omega and Echo, you're with me. Tech, you and Wrecker be prepared to take those boxes." 

"Yes, sir!" Omega gave him a small salute, receiving a warm smile from the sergeant.

"Let's make this quick." Echo ran ahead to his position.

The ARC placed a series of smoke bombs along the narrow streets. At times like these, he wished Crosshair was back with them instead of with the Empire. He would have effortlessly taken care of the troopers swiftly and quietly. Pushing the memories out of his head, Echo placed the last bomb. 

"Ready when you are, Hunter."

"Copy that. The first group is turning the corner."

Hunter turned to Omega. "Remember the plan?" From the look of slight annoyance on her face, he already knew the answer, but it was instinct for him to ask.

"I remember," Omega confirmed, her eyes focused on the enemy. 

As expected, smoke erupted from the streets, filling the area with a thick cloud. Accented voices bickered back and forth as the confusion spread throughout the troopers.

"Come on." Hunter lightly tapped Omega. The two clones made their way into the smog as a single blaster bolt was sent out, illuminating the street. A loud thud was heard. Shortly after, more and more bolts were exchanged.

Omega took a deep breath as she pulled back her bowstring. The purple energy gave her vision some guidance in the fog. She briefly saw Echo amid the action. She wondered how much longer they needed. Undoubtedly, Tech and Wrecker had acquired the crates by now. 

"Hanging in there, kid?"

Omega jumped, startled by the voice next to her. "Yeah, couldn't be better." She could now see the colors of Hunter's armor as the fog began to disperse. Not only could she see her brother, but also a machine coming straight toward them.

"Hunter, what is that?" Omega called from a few feet away.

Hunter turned his head, his eyes widening under his helmet. That would be a tank. A tank that was pointing directly at Omega's position.

"OMEGA! GET OUT OF THE WAY!" A shrill yell tore from the sergeant's throat.

Omega froze, staring blankly at the towering armored vehicle. Her feet refused to run, ignoring the voice in her head that was screaming for her to go. Suddenly, the air was knocked out of her. She crashed to the ground with a groan, landing on her arm weirdly. It took her a second to reorientate herself with reality.