Just So You All Know I Will Be Participating In Febuwhump! I'll Mostly Post Bad Batch Content But Some

Just so you all know I will be participating in Febuwhump! I'll mostly post Bad Batch content but some others will be thrown in there (maybe). I'll try to post every day!

Febuwhump Day 7: Forced to watch

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

Warning: graphics depictions of violence

Hunter had been sitting in an empty room for a while now. The cold metal cuffed his wrist like tight bracelets. Short chains attached him to the wall. The mans knees ache and his legs felt numb and cold from sitting on them. He wished to move but he wore a matching set of anklets that kept his feet to the floor.

    The batch had been contacted by Rex to extract one of his clone contacts from the empire. Chex had been found out and he wasn't able to pick him up. The batch complied and left for Coruscant. They were able to grab him but Hunter had been separated from his family and cornered. He instructed them to leave and they reluctantly obeyed.

    "We gotta stop leaving people behind" Echo spoke. He had joined them for the mission and would now help with freeing his younger brother. "I'll contact Rex and let him know what happened."

    Omega uncomfortably shifted "Echo's right."

    Tech turned to the girl, "we couldn't have done anything Omega. We had to leave for our safety and for Chex's."

    "I'm sure Hunter's fine!" Wrecker chimed in. "He probably would have yelled at us had we gone to get him anyway!"

    That was true. Everyone at that point knew Hunter held the others life before his. That seemed to be a trait most clones had, most Jedi too.

    "I didn't mean to cause such a problem for y'all. Sorry." Chex held his hands behind his back, rubbing his fingers together nervously.

    "Na it's fine!" Wrecker slammed his hand on the regs back.

    "Your brother got captured! I can help you get him back if you need?"

    Tech sighed and turned around to face the others "We will be fine. It's not safe for you to go back to Coruscant and it would be a shame if we rescued you just for you to die." With that Tech turned back to piloting the ship.

    Chex opened his mouth to argue but decided he could convince them anyway.

    Crosshair walked into the room that held his former sargent.

    "Hello Crosshair."

    "You're working with the rebels I see" he began. "Such a shame."

    "Only this once" he stated. This wasn't true, they were working for Rex but no matter how hard Hunter might try the sniper wouldn't believe him.

    "I knew you couldn't stay out of trouble." Crosshair antagonized.

    "So why am I alive? Don't you kill traitors?"

    "I need information, I just have to wait a little longer."

    "Longer? What are you waiting for? You have your vibro-knife and I'm sure you can find other methods around here." Hunter pressed, hoping to take Cross off guard. It wasn't that he really minded not being tortured but the sooner it began the sooner it was over. He'd hoped Crosshair wouldn't do that to him but you don't always get what you hoped for, do you.

    "No amount of physical torment will get you to talk." This stuck fear into Hunter and the soldier saw it. No matter how hard his brother may try to hide it, his eyes betrayed him. "I just need the rest of your squad."

    "Crosshair what are you gonna do to them?" His voice wavered.

    "You'll just have to see." Hate, that's all Hunter heard in his brother's voice. He misses the slight caring sound that Crosshair's voice used to be laced with when he was with them. The door closed and Hunter was once more alone with his cruel mind.

    Crosshair was right, of course the batch came back for Hunter. They dropped Chex and Omega off with Rex. Rex didn't mind babysitting for he knew how dangerous infiltrating the empire was and didn't want the kid to get hurt. Omega attempted to argue but was shut down quickly by the harsh reality of the situation. The three 'adults' rushed back to Coruscant. They fell right into Crosshair's uncaring hands.

    Crosshair forced Tech into the cell Hunter occupied. He pushed the mercenary to he's knees in front of Hunter. Stepping on the others legs Crosshair placed two strong, half circle magnets over Tech's ankles and activated them.

    Attempting to free himself Tech tried to pull his leg up. He came to the conclusion that only Wrecker would be able to lift the magnets.

    "Tech" Hunter assessed his brother to find any injuries. He began to breathe again when he saw he was uninjured. "Where's-" Tech cut him off.

    "I'm not sure. I only know where Omega is and she's safe off world."

    Hunter sighed in relief. Now he just had to figure out how to get the others to safety.

    Crosshair pulled his vibro-knife out and stared into Hunter's eyes. "I'll give you one chance before I harm him."

    Hunter looked at Tech. Tech of course shook his head no. The leader looked back to Crosshair who sighed and stepped behind Tech. The clone prepared himself for the burning pain that came with knives. The knife easily slid over the victim's chest. He gasped and looked away from Hunter.

    Both understood what was happening, the batch had been trained to withstand large amounts of pain. Out of the two, Hunter had the bigger heart and would break before Tech would.

    "Hunter." Tech looked back up at him. Hunter met his eyes. "Don't tell him anything."

    Hunter nodded. From their it only got worse. Crosshair knew how to inflict unbearable pain. It used to work in their favor. None of them ever thought their brother could hurt them the way he hurt strangers. Now they seemed to be strangers with memories.

    The knife wasn't the only method of torment Crosshair had brought. Electricity would course though the mans body. Hunter could do nothing other than watch as his brother tore apart his other brother. As he continued Hunter started to fight against the chains. Despite to get help Tech he pulled and pulled, tiring himself. Warm blood ran over his hands from his wrist. Hunter didn't even know.

    Tech's screams shattered Hunter's heart. He would open his mouth to speak but Tech would stop him with a look or verbally if he could. He knew what was coming for him if this continued but he also knew the empire could never know that Rex was alive.

   Hunter once more opened his mouth. "No" Tech breathed. "It won't matter anyway." He struggled to speak but he knew he had to tell Hunter. "I'll... die anyway." Tech's voice was always sort of monotone. Hearing so much emotion and pain slip though his mouth scared them both. 

    Crosshair spoke over Tech's sobs and Hunter's soft crying, "you like taking Tech, you always have." He moved from his position next to Tech to behind him. Hunter fought the chains harder, not that he hasn't been fighting as hard as he could.

    Crosshair took the knife to a little bit under Tech's right tear duct and angled it at around seven o'clock. He slowly dragged the knife down until it retched the bottom of his face. The wound ran over his lips making it difficult but not impossible to speak.

    Tech's head was spinning, it had been for a while. The wounds he has received could not hurt him as much as the hopeless feeling that came with them. He hated that Hunter must be feeling the same way. Forced to watch as he slowly died, unable to help him. Somewhere in Hunter's brain he needed to protect them.

    "Tech!" Hunter had been calling for his brother for almost a minute now. Crosshair rose the knife again. "Wait" Hunter yelled. He looked at Tech who looked out of it. His breathing had become labored and blood ran down his face and body. "I'll tell you just please stop, you're gonna kill him!"

    The leaders broken screams pleased Crosshair. He'd won. "Go on."

    "Omega's" Tech coughed "with" his voice drifted. The clone used his last bit of energy trying to keep his little sister safe. He collapsed.

    "Tech!" Hunter stared at his brother helplessly.

    Crosshair kicked Tech to the side and kneeled down in front of Hunter. He grabbed his face and forced him to look him to the eyes, "look what you've done." He hissed.

    "No." Hunter whispered. "Is he?"

    "He is and it's your fault."

    The soft cry became a full sob. He was forced to watch his brother die. He couldn't save him. That helpless feeling made him sick.

    Crosshair stood and walked out the door, leaving Hunter to deal with his mind once more.

    Rex, Omega, and Chex knew something wasn't right. When Phee and Cid agreed they decided to contact Trevor, another informant of Rex's. Soon after the five would depart from Ord Mentell.

    Arriving the group located the brothers and snuck to break them out. Finding the cell block they stopped Infront of Wreckers cell. Omega went to open the door but Rex reached out his arm out, stopping her. "Be careful, I'm not sure what we're gonna find." Cautiously Omega opened the door.

    Wrecker looked up at his found family and smiled, "good to see ya!"

    "Not so loud!" Cid whisper yelled.   

    "Wrecker!" Omega ran to the large man and hugged him.

    "Hey kid" he spoke softly. "Let's go get the others."

    Walking down the hall the band kept the same cautiousness as before when opening the door. When Echo greeted them with a thankful smile, Rex let himself relax a little. Yes he cared for all of them but none of them fought beside him as long as Echo had. The two were close and Rex wasn't sure what he'd do if he lost Echo again.

    Now seven the group quickly moved to the cell Tech was supposed to occupy. Opening the door to not find him scared them.

    "Where's Tech? He's supposed to be here." Omega turned back to Rex. Rex looked at the adults, all assuming the worst.

    Echo kneeled down to Omega, resting a hand on her little shoulder. "I'm sure we'll find him." The group walked to Hunter's cell and paused. Phee pushed the combination into the panel and the door slid open.

    Inside Hunter leaned against the wall softly crying. Tech rested on the cold floor. The noise startled the leader and he looked up.

    Rushing into the room Omega ran to Hunter to release him of the heavy chains. The others spread across the room as Echo dropped to check on Tech. As eyes landed to Tech feelings rose. Anger, sadness, fear, everything.

    As soon as Hunter was free he attended to stand. His numb legs failed him and he collapsed. Phee caught him and gently placed him back on the ground. "Careful dark and broody, take your time. You're safe." Her soft voice took Hunter off guard and he leaned into her.

    "He wasn't. I failed him Phee. I could have saved him and now-" He couldn't say it.

    Phee ran her hands over his head and looked to the others. Was brown eyes dead?

    Echo checked Tech for a pulse. "He's got a pulse! It's weak but it's there!"

    Hunter quickly sat up and looked over to the others "Crosshair told me" he smiled softly"he's okay?"

    "Far from okay but yeah he's definitely alive." Cid shook her head.

    "It'll take more than that to kill Tech! He's too stubborn to die!" Wrecker walked over to Tech and picked him up, "now let's get out of here!"

    Hunter tried to stand again, some feeling in his legs had returned but he still wobbled. "Here" Phee grabbed the sergeant, "I gotta."

    The team made their way out of the cell block. Once outside the building Phhe set Hunter down. "Thanks." The clone felt somewhat embarrassed by Phee carrying him the whole way out but being close to someone was nice. He tried to get her to set him down a few times but she wouldn't budge.

    The group ran to the Marauder and headed back to Ord Mantell. Tech would be fine. When he'd wake up Hunter apologized profusely. Of course Tech wasn't even upset. He would have to get used to the mark across his face but that was miner. It would always remind Hunter of his failure to protect his brother. For Tech it was a reminder of the monster Crosshair had become.

    Hunter always hated that helpless feeling when he could help anyone, he always would. Being forced to watch what he thought was his brother's demise stayed with him, hunting his dreams forever.

Febuwhump day 1! Touch starved

Fandom: Star Wars

Time: A few years after Order 66

  Obi-wan Kenobi had been alone for a long time. He misses many things. Many things. These feelings often came in waves, sometimes all at once. Missing his family, his life, his happiness. The feelings both mental and physical were the things he craved but understood he could never have again. 

Obi-wan glanced at the window. He noted the shades of orange he loved so much. They reminded him of his commander, his lover, his Cody. Of course he didn't really know if he could or should still call him that. However Obi-wan chose to believe that Cody had his reasons to do as he did, to try to kill him with no known reason to him.

    Walking outside Obi-wan would watch the sunset. The warmth reminded him of the warmth he felt from long embraces. But of course the sun would set and long hugs would end.

    Walking back inside Obi-wan closed the door with a sigh. He walked a very short distance to his bed and laid down. The thoughts of his former lover stayed with him. He began to think how he missed being greeted with short hugs and soft kisses when entering a room that the two were alone in, how cuddles after long, cold missions felt, the warmth of being so close together and feeling so safe with each other. He found himself missing the warm feeling of fingers running over scars.

    Of course the thoughts of Cody couldn't stay loving for long. Obi-wan was reminded of the order. This would remind him of the jedi. the Jedi he had been friends with.

    There was Plo Koon, a very gentle and sweet man who treated everyone kindly. He remembered Plo giving him a long and caring hug after Qui-gon had died. He could swear Plo gave some of the best hugs in the galaxy.

    Qui-gon. Qui-gon knew exactly what to do in most many scenario. When Obi-wan was stressed Qui-gon would rest his hand gently on his shoulder and reassure him everything would be alright. Now Obi-wan just wished for any reassurance at all.

    Qui-gon would spiral into thoughts of Anakin, his brother. Anakin was always a very touchy person. He constantly would poke at Obi-wan when he needed something or simply wanted his master's attention. Anakin's hugs had always been something he looked forward to. Anakin liked giving people physical affection. Obi-wan suspected that it was from never receiving much when he was younger.

    With thoughts of Anakin came thoughts of Ahsoka, Rex, Padme, and the twins.

    Obi-wan sat up trying to shake the thoughts of his past family but he knew he wouldn't be able to. Standing up he walked towards the door. He opened the door and as the somewhat chilly air hit him the thoughts went to the back of his mind. He didn't need to think of the people he knew and loved. The people who rather betrayed him or died. 

    Being outside didn't help for very long as the thoughts creeped back in. Ahsoka had also enjoyed Physical affection. She liked piggy back rides and often got them from Anakin and Rex. Of course Obi-wan had given her a few over the years. Ahsoka was a very kind soul, one who was done so wrong by the times and by the jedi. He hoped she was still out there somewhere, wishing to see her again, to give her one last piggy back ride or to have one last hug but he understood it simply wasn't possible.

    Obi-wan knew he needed sleep. Trying to stay outside and brush off the thoughts of loved ones simply wouldn't work. Walking back inside he thought of old friends now all gone. Closing the door he walked back towards the bed, laying down again. He grabbed his own hand and held it. It didn't help much but it was something and right now he needed anything. Well he needed his family, his friends but he couldn't have those. Not anymore.

    Tears began to run down his face as he curled himself into a ball. He wished he had someone who could be there to comfort him. But no one would come. The only thing that would come would be the suns in the morning telling him it was time to leave. Maybe just maybe his thoughts would leave with the night.

Febuwhump Day 9: Voice loss.

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

Screaming. Hunter had been doing a lot of that. His voice had become hoarse and his throat throbbed. Some imperial soldiers had brought him in. Since then the torture had been endless. They wanted information on the rebels. No matter how many times Hunter said he didn't know they just kept harming him. The interrogator also wanted the location of the rest of the batch. Hunter knew that; Echo was with Rex and the rest of them were on Ord Mantell, But that he would never tell.

    Soon the hoarse yelling became no noise at all. Hunter continued attempting to tell the clone that he didn't know. Nothing came out. "What, cat got your tongue or something?" Crank antagonized.

    Hunter had asked for the soldier's name when he had entered, hoping the gesture would help him out a little and because asking a clone for their name was meaningful; well to most of them. Though Crank had seemed pleasantly surprised it was no use.

    The mercenary opened him mouth to argue but just closed it again.

    The door slid open to reveal Crosshair. "Hello Hunter" he hissed. Then the clone actually looked at his brother. Hunter saw the surprise and worry in his eyes for a brief second.

    'hello Crosshair' Hunter mouthed. The sniper was able to read lips, his mutation helped him immensely with this.

    "Use your voice Hunter."

    'I can't.'

    "Why?" Crosshair whispered low enough for only his brother to hear.

    'Maybe Cross still cares after all' Hunter though. "Screaming took it."

    Crosshair turned to the reg, "You do know we can't use him if he can't speak right? Idiot. I'll take care of him."

    Crank shrugged and left the room.

    It hurt Crosshair to see Hunter like this. The man was bloody and bruised. He'd seen him like this before but that was when he was on his side. Now he was on the side hurting him.

    "I'll find you something for your throat." Crosshair softened.

    Crosshair was never really outwardly kind. It meant a lot to Hunter knowing despite everything; despite every time they left him, the fact that in his eyes they betrayed him, for not trusting him; that Crosshair still cared.

    The door closed and Hunter was alone. For the first time he assessed his injuries. They consisted of deep cuts, colorful bruises, burn marks from electricity, broken bones, and his raw throat. His throat burned. He needed to be able to speak, how else could he lead his family? How could he comfort them or protect them? He couldn't warn them of harm if he couldn't speak. The rest of the injuries didn't really concern him, just the voice loss.

    Crosshair would come back later with a cup of tea. How he managed to obtain the tea confused Hunter but he was thankful. His wrists were freed and he shakingly grabbed the cup. Giving his brother a nod to thank him he took a sip. It was somehow his favorite. This made the man smile. The gesture helped his heart more than it helped his throat.

    Footsteps. Familiar footsteps. The door opened and the batch spilled into the room. Surprisingly blaster fire did not follow. "We're here too... Ummm what?" Wrecker stood bewildered.

    The scene unraveling in front of him was certainly far from expected. Crosshair was helping Hunter. He sat beside Hunter with his hand slightly under the cup, ready to grab it if it fell.

    Echo still held his gun to the soldier. The others had lowered theirs. "Are you sure that's not poisoned." Echo was suspicious and for good reason. Crosshair was an imperial soldier after all. Crosshair gave Echo a death glare.

    Hunter looked past Crosshair and nodded, signaling Echo to lower his weapon. He complied.

    "We need to get out of here. It won't be long before the empire notices we are here." Tech said.

    Hunter tried to stand. His legs gave out on him and he started to fell. Crosshair caught him and lowered him back to the ground. "Wrecker come here" but of course no sound came out.

    "Hunter I think you forgot something there" Omega joked.

    Crosshair had sat beside Hunter once more. "He can't talk."

    "Why not?" Wrecker respond.

    "Likely the torture. Your vocal cords can only handle so much stress before you cannot talk. He should be fine." Tech answered.

    Omega looked worried. Hunter gave her a soft smile which calmed he fears slightly. Wrecker walked over to his injured brother and picked him up. Hunter winced.

    "Sorry." Wrecker had nothing to apologize for and he knew it. However it made him feel a little bit better about any necessary pain he caused.

    "Do you hear anyone?" Echo asked. Hunter shook his head and turned to face Crosshair. He pulled his arm out and offered his hand to Crosshair. He looked tempted. "No. My place is here, your place should be here."

    "We don't see eye to eye on that." Wrecker sighed, "we miss you though."

    "We can't fight for something we don't believe in." Echo spoke. Crosshair nodded.

    "If you ever need us try to let us know okay?" Omega hugged her brother, and then they left.

    Crosshair grabbed the tea cup from the floor and softly smiled. He made the right choice letting them leave over and over. Maybe he'd let them take him one day.

Febuwhump day 5: That's gonna scar

Fandom: Miraculous Ladybug

Time: Monarch times

Warning violence

"Akuma attack, akuma attack" Adrien's phone buzzed.

    "I just got home" Adrien sighed. The boy transformed into his superhero persona and leaped through his window.

    "Hello Ml'lady" the cat greeted.

    "Hello Kitty Cat."

    The akumatized victim had been turned into a colorful monster. They had long sharp claws, lizard-like eyes, and scales. The two heroes would begin their fight to free the civilian from Monarch's grasp.

    The teens were quite quick to free the victim. The citizen thanked the two profusely and ran off.

    "Hello heros" A menaceing voice spoke from behind them.

    "Hello" Cat Noir turned around to meet the mans eyes "Monarch."

    The villain spared no time for fancy speechs. He knew that neither had much time before they transformed back and planned to use this to his advantage.

    Now the hero's understood their time limit and tried to come up with a plan. One of them would leave while the other feed their magic companion.

    "Ml'lady you first. I'll hold him at bay."

    "You sure kitty?"

    "Yep."

    With that Ladybug made her way to the nearby alley.

    "Just you and me Monarch" Cat Noir hissed.

    With no words the two began to fight. Of course the villain attempted to get past to Ladybug but as Cat Noir said he kept him at bay.

    Monarch activated the dragon miraculous and reached for the sword. Yes he could get past him with wind dragon or he could have used voyage but decided he wanted to fight the boy instead.

    Reacting to the sword being drawled, Cat Noir snatched his poll from his back. A short fight would insue. The poll slipped through his hands as the sword hit it harshly. Right after the sword sliced into the child's chest. Screaming he grabbed his chest and fell to the ground.

    Ladybug who had only been gone for a minute rushed back to the scene. The guardian rushed to her friend, grabbing the poll on her way to deflect what would have been a killing blow to her partner.

    Adrien assessed the injury. It went from his left shoulder to just above his elbow on his right side. He attempted to put pressure on the wound. He knew how to fix injuries like this and had before except this one was much worse. It would need stitches but how could he get the help he needed without reliving his identity?

    Adrien's ring blinked, one minute remaining, possibly less. The girl grabbed her loved one as gently as she could at the time and took him to the alley she had been in. "You're gonna be okay" she tried to reassure him.

    "Yeah. Take care of Monarch, I'll be here. I'm about to transfrom anyway." Cat Noir spoke softly. Ladybug nodded and left. Tears slid down his face as he tried to remain calm. He knew one thing, that was gonna scar.

    Detransforming, Adrien pulled himself against the brick wall closest to him.

    "Kid!" Plagg yelled.

    "I'm alright" Adrien breathed. "Cloth.. find." The pain started to regenerate more as his adrenaline wore off.

    "Yeah I'm working on it." With that the kwami left, leaveing the human alone. What was he supposed to do about the wound? He placed his hands on the gash, trying to keep his blood from spilling to much. The pain scared him. He had never felt such sharp pain before.

    How did he explain to his father? The father who would never let him outside again. He would lock him up forever, never to feel like sunlight again.

    Even if he could hide the wound the pain would give him away. He could bear all the other damage done to his body over the year he'd been a hero, all the scratches and bruises, even a broken finger he claimed to have been a dumb accident. He hid all of those practically perfectly but how could he hide this? Even then the scar would betray him eventually, telling everyone who he was.

    He looked down at his hands covered in his blood. He supposed it was better than someone else's. Adrien's breathing had begun to quicken and his head was spinning. He hoped Plagg would be back soon.

    Adrien heard Ladybug call upon her lucky charm. He worried about her more than he would like to admit.

    Plagg had rushed into a nearby store, careful to avoid the fight taking place not too far away. Looking for the medical supplies he stumbled upon the cheese. Of course that would have to wait until his favorite holder was safe. Once he found the medical aisle he grabbed as much as his little self could.

    Adrien could barely stay awake now. He prayed that Ladybug or Plagg would be quick. Time passes and Plagg would come back. He slowly unwrapped the gauges and bandages and pressed them to the bloody mess that was his chest.

    Ladybug ran into the alleyway with her eyes to the ground. "Cat Noir" she stated "are you okay?" Her voice was laced with concern. The spotted hero kneeled down to her cat. She put her arms out for him to take to his wound. Shaking he pulled her hands to his chest. From there she proceeded to press her hands to the wound. Adrien winced. "Sorry." Ladybug quickly responded to him.

    "Don't-" Adrien  stuttered "apologies."

    "You need help I can't give kitty."

    "My identity. I can't"

    "I have a mask you can wear."

    "Medical history."

    Ladybug sighed "you're right...."

    There was no more time to wait. Ladybug grabbed her bug phone and called for help. She explained they can't learn of his identity and tried to figure out how to prevent them from knowing. The operator reassured her that the EMT's would do their best. After thanking the person on the phone she hung up.

    "Plagg" he pulsed "claws out."

    "What are you-"

    He pulled his body down and into her lap. He was scared and needed the comfort, the reassurance everything would be alright. Ladybug played with his soft hair as the two waited.

    Adrien knew whatever was next he would be okay. The slash would heal and one day be a scar he could be proud of. Of course it wouldn't stay that way as it would become a painful reminder of the monster who would kill a child, the monster who was his father.

Febuwhump Day 14: Captivity

Fandom: Star Wars

Timeline: The Bad Batch

  The floor was cold. That's the first thing Tech noticed when he woke up. He sat up and looked around. The cell was completely empty other than him. The man's googles had been cracked on the right side, making it somewhat difficult to see.

    Tech had simply been walking back to Cid's bar when he was captured. Omega had been having a bad day so he went to go get her some Mantell mix. Walking past a dark alley he heard what seemed to be a child crying. The clone's first mistake was not notifying someone he was into an alley. He was skeptical but walked down the alley anyway. Once deemed far enough in some soldiers cornered and stunned him.

    It would be a while before anyone would pay Tech a visit. He walked around the cell attempting to find a way out. Nothing.

    The room was deadly silent. 'There has to be something I can do' thought Tech. Something finally came to mind. Hide behind the door and wait for someone to enter. When someone enters sneek out. From there he needed to find his armor, find his weapons, and find his way out.

    Plans however don't always work the way they are supposed to. Despite Tech's best effort he was not able to escape. As soon as the soldiers noticed the mercenary wasn't in the cell they turned around and ran after him. Other troops were not too far away and stopped him. He was dragged back to the cell to be interrogated.

    Back in the cell he was chained to the wall. Fighting against the metal was practically useless. In the end it would just hurt him and make him tired. The torment was inevitable once he was chained so what was the point?

    "Where are the rest of ya?" Asked the interrogator.

    "I'll never tell." Tech stared at the other. The man appeared to be a clone.

    "What were you doing on Ord Mantell? Working for the rebels?".

    "I was on Ord Mantell for a mercenary mission." Technically he wasn't really wrong. He was a mercenary on a mission. That mission however was just to make his sister's day a bit better.

    The interrogator didn't believe him. The torture would begin. The batch had been trained to hold up under torture. Though it wasn't pleasant training Tech was glad he had it right now.

    Time passed and finally the interrogator let up. The man unchained Tech and he fell to the floor. His body ached and his breathing was labored. Speaks of color distorted his vision. They would go away soon now that he could breathe again. The doors shut and he was alone.

    Tech pulled himself against the wall and assessed his injuries. Large deep cuts were scattered across his body. Bruises were beginning to form all across him; the largest being around his neck. Small electrical burns could be found but not many. The man worked to get his breathing back under his control.

    Crosshair learned of what was done to his brother. He knew that they wouldn't be working with the rebels, they had a child to protect after all. For the first time he really seemed to question the empire. He roamed the dark halls deep in thought. The sniper didn't want Tech to die. Despite everything he still loved him. One thought led to another and now he found himself standing in front of Tech's cell.

    Inside Tech had gotten his breathing back under control. He had torn the sleeves off his shirt and tied them around the injuries he could. When Crosshair entered Tech was trying to do the same to the ends of his pants.

    Of all the people Tech would have thought to rescue him he never expected Crosshair to be the one too. When he saw his brother he thought the torture was about to continue. What Crosshair didn't expect was for Tech to draw into himself, arms slightly out in defiance.

    Now Crosshair was mad. Mad at the empire and mad at himself for letting it go this far. "Hello. I'm not here to hurt you, relax." He stated as softly as he could.

    Tech raised his head and looked at his brother. If he wasn't there to harm him, why was he there?

    "Can you stand?"

    The clone slowly stood. Walking proved to be harder. "Why are you here?" Tech asked.

    "I'm rescuing you."

    "But I'm a traitor. You work for the empire don't you?"

    "You're my brother and not anymore." Crosshair admitted.

    "Ah okay. Why the change?" Tech was curious. Crosshair had been loyal to a fault.

    "A moment of realization. Now stop asking questions. We need to leave." With that the two would leave the cell block. When Tech could no longer walk Crosshair would carry him the rest of the way. He stole a small imperial shuttle and left for Ord Mantell. On the ship the deserter would take care of his brother's injuries the best he could.

    Back on Ord Mantell the family was gathered at the bar thinking of a plan to find Tech. They weren't sure where he had gone or who had taken him. What they didn't expect was for Tech to walk in, being assisted by Crosshair.

    Everyone was happy to see both of them. After talking Crosshair was allowed to stay. They were back together again. Now the six would create new stories together as a family and not as enemies.