A/N: sorry I had to---Take a break, run with us away for the summer, let's go up state--.... HAMILTON FAM!

Raxus, Separatist homeworld. With the transformation of the Republic to the newly declared Empire, many planets including former Republic planets were slowly being taken over by the new tyrant. Sidious played both sides of the Clone Wars and now he leads the galaxy into chaos with Vader by his side.

Senator Avi Singh served in the Senate of the Confederacy of Independent System now stood in front of his people. Displeased shouts called upon the senator, the people not showing any gratitude to the Empire's sudden occupation of their planet. 

Captain Bragg lead the overseeing of Raxus Secundus' transition towards leaning into the Empire. Just like most Imperial officers, Bragg was determined to get the senator to ensure Raxus' safe transition. "The Empire is not your enemy" she began. "We promise to treat all planets of the Confederacy of Independent Systems fairly." The people murmured amongst themselves. Gossip and theories flew around like wildfire. 

"All we asked in exchange, was for your loyalty. Yet that has not been forthcoming here on Raxus." Senator Singh fiddled nervously with his hands as his consciousness told him that dealing with the Empire was just signing a death certificate. 

"I can't go through with this." He whispered to his helper droid. 

"Senator, this is your only option," GS-8 replied.

"This is what it's come to, I must be a puppet for the Empire." 

GS-8 warned her told time master, "If you do not comply with their request you would be arrested like the other senators, or, worse." 

They listened on as Bragg suggested Raxus be put into a mandatory curfew for the people's protection. Though the people and Singh knew this to be an effort to curb rioting and protests. The less noise the Separatist homeworld made, the more inclined the other planets would be to join the Empire. They just had to shut the mouths of certain high influencing individuals.

Raxus' citizens shouts began to grow louder as the Imperial plotted their fate. "Such measures were approved by your esteemed senator, Avi Singh, who would like to say a few words about the importance of cooperation as we build a unified galaxy." 

Bragg gestured to the senator to take the stage. Singh quickly warned GS-8 to follow a set of instructions he had given her before, to the letter. The senator already made up his mind that he would not bow down to the empire. His duty was to his people and if it means him becoming a martyr, he would do with pride. 

The crowd began to cheer as their leader took place in front. "Fellow citizens, I implore you to embrace these new laws. Under the Empire, Raxus will flourish once more." Lies, he thought. "And as your senator, I promise I'm...I promise to you..." The disheartened tone of his voice brought frowns on the citizens of Raxus. He knew the Empire would kill him if he openly defied them. If not him, they'd oppress the people. 

Then again, if no one is brave enough to stand up to the Empire, who will? 

Singh held his ground, "No, this is wrong."

"I-It is my duty to act in your best interest." His courage fueled the people, "And it is why I no longer condone this unjust occupation!" The crowd roared and cheered on the senator. Agreeing that the Empire would not take their freedom. "They will not oppress us, they will not scare us!" 

Roaring cheers filled the skies as the people began to push back against the troops below. Up on the stage, the Senator was arrested. Singh continued to defy the Empire and felt pride bloom in his chest. GS-8 realized the plan and quietly walked away from the stage. 

Bragg tried to console the people but they were already fighting back the troops below, telling them to leave their planet. Bragg ordered for extreme measures to be taken. Armoured walkers pushed them from the congregation area and made them run like rats. GS-8 began to execute her master's plan.

---

After a week back on Ord Mantell, the Bad Batch managed to catch up with some relaxing domestic life. Cid offered them time off after the whole incident on Coruscant. Now the gang just finished a small relief mission to the planet Aleena. 

"I do not plan to go back to Aleena again" Ryki muttered, "I'm still finding bugs in my hair." Beside her, Echo and Tech kept giggling like idiots. "What are you two up to,?" Ryki squinted at them. "Oh, nothing." Echo brushed it off. Some fuzzy speech passed between the clones in their private comm. 

"Wait? The Aleena king nearly married you?" Wrecker shouted. Tech hissed and slapped Wrecker's shoulder. "Tech!" Ryki demanded and slapped the back of his head, "No one else was supposed to know that." Omega snickered from her perch on Wrecker's shoulder.

Echo shrugged, "Well, it's not like you agreed to marry him. The holo definitely speaks for itself." Ryki yelped demanding the holo of her shocked and partially disgusted face Echo snapped back on the planet. Hunter chuckled, "Guess we got to call you Miss Aleena now" 

Groaning she rubbed her forehead, "Don't even, Hunter." The boys and Omega burst out laughing. "How's the Mantell Mix kid?" Wrecker asked. Omega dropped a few in his mouth, "Better than ever." Ryki grimaced, "How are you letting them eat that much sugar?" 

"Beats me. It's a tradition." Tech replied. 

"So, what's our next mission?" Omega asked from her throne. 

"With bounty hunters after you and possibly Ryki, it would be wise to keep a low profile," Tech informed the two ladies. 

Hunter helped Omega down from Wrecker's shoulder as they stopped in front of Cid's parlour. "Tech's right. There's too much heat on us right now," Ryki frowned. 

"Hah. That never stopped us before." Wrecker claimed. Hunter pulled his brother down to whisper, "Ryki and Omega have been through enough. They need  a break." Wrecker watched the two girls happily interacting with Tech and Echo without worry, "They seem fine to me." Hunter rolled his eyes and sighed, walking straight into the parlour. 

"What's with him all of a sudden?" Ryki quirked an eyebrow. "Probably his protective instincts kicking in," Tech teased making Ryki smirk and jab him in his side playfully. 

Cid's dingy parlour was a temporary home for the clones and Ryki. They dropped in heavily into the seats but a cranky trandoshan came up to them announcing a new mission she had in store. "A simple extraction on Raxus."

Ryki dropped her head on Omega's, "Ciddy, we just got back from a mission." 

"A mission that didn't pay much. Maybe if you did marry that Aleen male, you could have taken the dowry and issue a divorce!" Cid bit back and the boys couldn't help but snicker. 

"What's the mission?" Hunter asked. 

Cid revealed a holo of the senator "You've been hired to locate and free Senator Avi Singh from his confinement. My client will meet you at the given coordinates to brief you." She then produced an information disc and tossed it to Hunter. "Details are on this. Get going." 

The sergeant (lol, been spelling this wrong the whole time) was quick to toss the disc back. "Help a separatist? Not gonna happen." 

"Your debt is still not paid, remember. A job's a job." She pushed the disc back to Hunter. Frustrated, he brought Cid further from the rest of his team, "I'm not bringing Omega and Ryki to a planet swarming with Imperials." 

"So leave them here with me. I'll keep an eye on them." The solution came easy to the trandoshan. Hunter glanced back at the two girls then turned to Cid, "I don't exactly trust you either." 

"Good. You shouldn't." 

"I definitely should not, especially since you're the main reason Ryki got kidnapped in the first place." It was true, the sergeant was quite bitter with the trandoshan boss for that. 

"Hey! I know I made a mistake and I admitted to it. Anyways, keeping the child and the kid safe means more money in my pocket, it is in my best interest to do so, isn't it?" Cid pushed the disc back into Hunter's palm and angrily walk away. "Plus, I got more eyes and ears everywhere and no ones getting close to those two under my watch." 

"If anything happens to them-" 

"Yeah yeah bandana, just get outta here, will ya?" Cid waddled away. She does care a little after all, Hunter thought. 

Now it was time to break the news to the ladies. Omega ran to Hunter eagerly but Ryki already figured he'd go full-on protective mode towards the little girl. "Ready when you are sergeant" Omega saluted Hunter playfully. He smiled and kneeled down to her height, gesturing Ryki to join him. "When are we moving out?" The mirialan asked excitedly.

"Not this time. You two are staying with Cid." He said strictly.

Omega shared a frown with the mirialan, "B-But the mission? Ryki and I are part of this squad too"

"Yeah, Hunter. What's with the sudden decision?" Ryki backed up Omega. Hunter quirked an eyebrow giving Ryki a 'seriously, not you too' look. 

"You both are part of this squad. So, following orders shouldn't be a problem. Stay close to Cid and those leave this parlour. Got it, soldier" 

Omega looked back at Ryki, hoping the mirialan would help her. Luckily for Hunter, Ryki chose to keep quiet for that moment, "Yes, sir." Omega sighed defeatedly. Ryki gently nudged Omega's side and nodded towards the other boys. Omega obeyed and joined them, leaving Ryki and Hunter alone. 

"What?" He asked an amused mirialan. 

"Nothing, nothing." she raised her hands up innocently, then proceeded to imitate his 'Got is soldier', hunter sighed, "It's just, you're dad-ness is really showing up a lot."

Hunter hung his head tiredly, "Not that there's a problem with that. Just, seeing a soldier who is supposed to be manly macho worry over a child is rather sweet, if I do say so myself." Ryki laughed and Hunter's pained look.

"Alright, so what's with that other look then?" He noticed the frown behind the gorgeous smile. 

"I'm trying to keep the both of you safe," He admitted while nervously picking at the fuzz of his gloves. "I'm not disagreeing with you, and thank you." Hunter sighed in relief at Ryki's quick agreement. "But I also don't directly agree with you." 

"You got to be kidding me, Ry."

"Hunter, we're not helpless. You know that right?" She dipped her head to look at him meaningfully. "Yes. I do know that," He replied weakly.

"So, what's eating you up?" 

The sergeant looked back to Omega, "The planet we're going to will be flooded with Imperials. After everything you both have been to, I-I can't take that risk." 

Ryki bowed her head sadly. She did understand his fears, but she also didn't agree with his tactics to deal with them. Still, she decided to let him off the hook. "Alright." 

Hunter glanced down with confusion. "Omega and I will stay here." 

"Really?" 

"Yepp." She snapped cheerfully. "Just come back in one piece alright." Ryki unsurely raised a hand to carefully graze Hunter's chin, slightly afraid in case he wasn't comfortable with the gesture. The sergeant however leaned into her fingers and smiled and gently touched her elbow, "Yes ma'am." He smirked seeing a blush rise to her cheeks. Ryki quickly let go and awkwardly walked back to the company of Omega grinning, shyly as she did.

"Alright let's move out."

The boys wished the girls goodbye and left the parlour, leaving Ryki and Omega to Cid's company. 

"Hey tiny, I got a mission for you." Cid tossed a sponge to Omega "Now get scrubbing." Ryki frowned towards the trandoshan. She reached over for the sponge but Cid slapped her handoff. "You kid's gotta learn to toughen up." 

"My kid?" the mirialan asked in surprise. Cid began to impatiently yank on the young woman's hand to the centre of the parlour and handed her a blaster. "See that target there?" She pointed to a messy painted on target the boys made. "Shoot that till you hit dead centre. Till you do, no breaks." Cid unceremoniously stomped on Ryki's feet and walked off.

Omega looked back at the mirialan and shrugged, both females set for a long and boring day on Ord Mantell.

---

Echo was still grumbling about how the plan was going to be a Separatist trap. The Bad Batch learned quickly that their new brother was true to his name. "If Ryki were here, she'd tolerate your rantings best." 

Echo spun on his chair and eyed Hunter, "You would be more tolerable with Ryki around." 

"I can confirm that data has a 101% accuracy," Tech told his brother. "Should I even be concerned with you collecting this data?" Hunter sunk in his seat. "You do seem to be repeating Ryki's name quite often," Wrecker folded his hands and grinned smugly at his brother. 

"What does that mean?" Hunter frowned, hiding his pinkish face in his chest. "You dikut! You do like her don't you." 

Hunter flabbergasted, "I-what?!" 

"Ohohoho! Hunter has a girlfriend" Wrecker kicked Hunter's legs making the smaller clone grumble. Echo laughed, "I must admit, we should have seen this coming. First, he went soft with Omega and now he's gone soft for Ryki. Not that it's a bad thing. They do make you happier." 

"Yeah ha go for it, Hunter!" Wrecker shouted in agreement. "I would also agree with that statement. Hunter has been about 50% more protective over Ryki since Coruscant." 

Hunter disturbingly looked at Tech, slightly worried about his brother's tendencies to study literally everything and anything that captures his curious mind. However, he caught Tech smiling cheekily back at him.

"Damn you guys..." 

Pings came into the ship's communications and Tech intercepted it as his brother's watch in anticipation. "Speak of his girl, someone is checking up on us" Tech wiggled his eyebrows teasingly. 

Ryki's image fizzed into her holo-projector "Hello, Ryki. Called to check up on us?". Ryki smiled in return, Wrecker and Echo huddled behind the pilot, Hunter forcefully squished between them. 

"You guys look chipper, considering Raxus and all" she laughed. 

"Yeah. We're all doing well. Hunter is doing great!" she watched as the boys ruffled Hunter's hair.

 "Guys... stop it..." 

Ryki burst out chuckling watching Hunter turn red, "Did Hunter just whine?" Echo nodded from the other side, "He's a little grumpy but otherwise we are doing great." 

"Good to hear that." 

Tech shoved Echo away, "Actually, everyone except Echo's doing fine. He's complaining non-stop about how Raxus could be a Separatist trap." Behind him, Ryki could see Hunter slapping himself in his face muttering about reminding Echo of his dilemma. 

"Well, it could be" Echo shouted off the holo call. 

"Yes, which further emphasizes my theory that he is more tolerable with you around." Tech glared at his brother. The sounds of chattering that could be heard from Ryki's side caught Hunter's attention, "Speaking of which, where are you exactly?". Ryki's looked like she was caught red-handed doing something wrong, "Nowhere important..." 

Hunter squinted and Wrecker butted in, "Hey, that is the Mantell Mix stall!" 

"You're at the market?" Before Hunter began to lecture her about staying low profile Ryki nervously wished them good luck and to come back soon before hurriedly ending the call. 

"Wha-Tech get it back online" Tech shook his head to say no, much to his brother's dismay. "Ryki is at the market and Cid is keeping more eyes and ears out to detect danger. Ryki will be fine." 

Wrecker patted the pouting sergeant, "Yeah Hunter, you gotta trust your girlfriend." 

"Wrecker she's not my- argh never mind." Wrecker chuckled at Hunter's reply.

"I still don't like this plan." Echo said, making Tech roll his eyes, "So you have said, repeatedly."

---

"I wouldn't make that move." Omega watched the Dejarrik game Cid got into against Ketch. 

Cid boringly glanced at the girl, "Wow, we have a professional in here." The trandoshan moved one of her pieces, only to be countered by Ketch's next move. The ithorian and weequay cheered. "I told you not to make that move," some amusement evident in Omega's voice.

"Well, if you're such a genius help me out then," Cid replied in an annoyed tone. Omega joined the Dejarrik board, accessing the single remaining piece Cid had and comparing it to Ketch's. She found a way to eliminate two of Ketch's Dejarrik pieces in one move and tapped on the board's buttons. 

Ketch and Bolo looked in shock as their last pieces fell and they ultimately lost their game to a young child. "I told you we shouldn't bet it all" Ketch and Bolo began to bicker while Cid looked at the young girl in awe, "Where did you learn to play like that?" 

"It's a strategy game. I am good at strategy and used to play it on Kamino." Omega turned to the board. 

"Woah there" Ryki flattened herself against the wall to avoid Bolo and Ketch as they ran out of the parlour. "So what did I miss?" 

"Tiny here beat Ketch in Dejarrik." Cid pointed out towards the clone, who was busy inspecting the bags Ryki brought back. "Yepp. It was an easy game" The girl hugged Ryki, as she munched on a meilourun. Ryki beamed proudly, "That's my girl." 

Cid nodded in agreement and slyly suggested that Omega be put against several bets. "No. No way. Hunter told us to stay low. We can't really have people coming here to find us." 

"Bah. My parlour is safe and I have tripled my eyes and ears around here. Plus you could win some money." Cid tapped her scally fingers on the board impatiently. Omega hummed "We do need the money." 

Ryki sighed, knowing Cid already made the decision earlier on. "Okay. What's her cut?" 

"30%"

"How about 60%" Ryki smugly smiled at Omega's negotiation skills. "If Ryki agrees.." Omega unintentionally gave Ryki the puppy eyes. "Alright alright. I'll admit, that is a very good cut. You can join the game. Just... don't do those eyes so often, kay. I'm already putty inside." Omega cheered and bounced away.

"Ryki, reset the board." Cid pulled in their first contestant.

---

Having landed on Raxus, the boys found out that they were hired by a droid. Collectively deciding to put political views and ideals aside they crept into Raxus' main city to where the senator was held against his will. GS-8 guided them through the hallways, aided by Tech hacking into the security system. 

Quietly they breached into Senator Singh's home. Echo and Wrecker separated from Tech and Hunter to secure a way out. GS-8 brought Tech and Hunter down another hallway, "That room is where the senator is being held."  

Tech nodded, "I scan two troopers guarding it, and four more at the adjacent corridor." 

Hunter nodded and whispered to his brother, "Tech, you and Omega take out the other troopers. Ryki and I will handle this." Tech nearly choked, "Uhm Hunter, that would be impossible seeing as both Ryki and Omega are not with us." 

Hunter hissed and bit his lip behind the mask, feeling a flush of embarrassment fill his cheeks. Tech was already snickering behind him, "I know you miss you girls and the sentiment is sweet but now is not the time Hunter. Focus." The sergeant groaned and slapped Tech behind his head. 

Meanwhile, the droid having heard all this volunteered to distract the troopers herself, "Hello troopers, I seem to be lost. Can you direct me to the nearest egress?" 

While the troopers were distracted, Tech slipped a deactivator down the hallway and it exploded, stunning the troopers. Hunter ran ahead inspecting Tech handiwork. The door up ahead swished open and revealed another trooper. Hunter wasted no time to grab the enemy by his hand and elbowed him in the stomach once, before slamming him against the wall twice rendering him unconscious. GS-8 fumbled with an old antique vase that the trooper knocked into, "Do be careful. This vase was gifted to the senator for his years of service. It is priceless. Also, I suggest moving on so that you may get back to your wife and child." 

Hunter felt his face go hot under the helmet, "Shut up" He warned Tech before he could tease Hunter about it. Tech pushed the droid to go ahead first and they continued their extraction of the senator.

---

Ryki watched the timer with cautious eyes. Omega was currently up against a pantoran. So far the girl never lost a match. Cid's parlour was full of exited folks who gladly placed bets against Cid that Omega would lose. 

Omega scanned the board and made her move. The crowd oohed and ahhed. The pantoran frowned, rubbing his fingers on his chin. He then tapped the button and made his move, Omega smirked tapping on the button as well. Using one Dejarrik piece, she eliminated the last remaining enemy pieces. Cid punched her fist in the air and tapped Omega on her shoulders. The crowd erupted with laughter, tossing credits to the winners and of course Cid and Omega. "Yeah!" Ryki engulfed Omega in her arms and carried her, cheering away. 

"Alright alright. Show's over." Cid chased the guests out as the Bad Batch entered with the saved senator and GS-8. Ryki happily bounded over to them with Omega smiling away in her arms. "The kids a genius!" Cid proudly stated. Omega was released from Ryki's hold and the girl hugged Wrecker with a big smile displayed on her face. "You should have seen the look on his face when he lost his bet" the mirialan gleefully told the boys. Wrecker joyfully carried Omega while Tech and Echo congratulated her.

"I thought I told you two to keep a low profile. This isn't keeping a low profile," Hunter spoiled the fun, bringing a sad look to Omega. "And that includes not wandering away from the parlour." 

Ryki rolled her eyes, "It was just the market" 

"Hey! Have a little respect with my friends over there" Cid beat Hunter on the shoulder. She side hugged Ryki and patted Omega's hands, "Loosen up Bandana. Tiny managed to win enough rounds to settle your boys' debt and if it weren't for Kiddy(Ryki), we would not have had anyone to bet against." 

Cid ushered the senator and brought him into her office to discuss business matters, while the boys headed to the bar. Wrecker put Omega down and shoved his shoulder into Hunter's, giving him the 'apologize to the kid and girlfriend look'.

Omega sadly began to walk away, thinking Hunter was really mad at her. "You really paid off our debt?" He asked almost unbelievably and with slight relief. Omega nodded. Ryki watched the two interact. Omega began to cheer up and ran back to the Dejarrik board to reset it after something Hunter said. 

"I take it the apology went well." Ryki nodded to the girl as Hunter turned to her. Ryki looked at him with a hint of a smile, "She'd make a good strategist." 

"I know. I asked her to a game. If she wins, both you and she would no longer sit out on missions" 

The mirialan snickered, "She's gonna kick you butt". Hunter looked back at the eager clone, "She definitely is. I am also sorry if I've been worrying too much about the both of you recently." 

Ryki gently reached to lightly caress his chin, "We know you are just trying to protect us, and thank you." Hunter blushed lightly. Ryki passed him a soft smile and walked to the bar, "Have fun with the game." Hunter watched Ryki join his brother's, then finally he took a seat opposite Omega. "You ready for this?" He challenged playfully. Ryki gave the two a thumbs up, secretly winking at Omega. 

Omega smirked, "Are you?"

---------------------------------