So, You Know Those GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS Neon Signs? Well, I Had An Idea And Decided To Go For It:

“The time is always right to do what is right.” MLK

Padawan Avery was a bright light in that morgue of mud. Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum. Aay’han.

Thank you Pina for this deeply felt story and for your brave OC. I hope to read more with her. ❤️

The First Cracks

Summary: Avery Leto, Jedi padawan and healer in training, is sent on a mission to act as field medic during The Clone Wars. What she sees will begin to shape her perspective of the war and the troopers fighting in it.

Warnings: This one’s going to hurt guys. There’s blood, there’s death, there’s Pong Krell being Pong Krell.

Word Count: 3.3k

A/N: Yet another fic that I thought I’d reposted after my blog deletion but I found it tucked away lol. Enjoy hating Pong Krell all over again I guess 😆

She stood there in the aftermath of the battle. The brewing storm whipped her padawan braid across her face while small frigid rain drops beat against her skin. They’d won, or so she’d been told.

“Another victory in the bag!” Master Krell boasted, pushing out his chest in an impossibly arrogant fashion. Pong Krell had come in Master Yoda’s place much to everyone’s dismay.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. So many dead men. Was his victory worth this? The Republic would think so. His impeccable record was held in high regard by the Senate.

“General Krell. Commander Leto. We’ve almost finished securing the injured. We will be ready for departure soon.” Clone Commander Gree sounded exhausted. She stepped forward toward the carnage before her. She had a feeling she had to help at least one more trooper. She wasn’t sure if it was the Force or anxiety but whatever it was compelled her back to the field.

“What are you doing, Padawan Leto? We are shipping out. Get on the transport.”

She paused, squaring her shoulders and looking Krell in the eye, “Master Krell, I am making one more round to ensure all men are accounted for. As the medic assigned to you for this mission I wouldn’t be doing my duty if I didn’t.”

Krell huffed, “It’s an awful lot of fuss for some clones.”

She saw Gree flinch as Krell marched back to the transport. She placed her hand on the Commander’s arm, “If any of your brothers are still alive out there, I’ll find them.” He tilted his head toward her, a sad smile hidden by the helmet he wore.

The rain had picked up intensity forcing her to pull her cloak tightly against herself. She felt nauseous as her boots sloshed through a mud composed of dirt, rainwater, and blood. So much blood. Droids don’t bleed, this was from her men. She swept the field with the Force, hoping, praying she could save one more. A fresh faced young padawan, only 20 years of age when the war began; now one year in and she felt older than Master Yoda some days.

Her ruminations were interrupted by the beeping of a lifesigns alert. Her heart lurched. A survivor. She ran, her GAR standard issue medic bag swaying, the weight of it threatening to steal her balance in every hurried step. She ignored the gut wrenching splash of the bloody water being kicked up her legs and the sound of Krell’s voice demanding she come back. Then the screaming began. He was scared, in pain, alone, and screaming for his brothers.

She slid to a stop and fell to her knees next to the clone, “Trooper! Trooper I’m here!” She gently removed his helmet. Her heart broke at the terror in his eyes.

“It hurts! It hurts! Please help me! Help me! Oh by the Force it kriffing hurts!” He was just a shiny.

She shushed him with the gentleness of a mother he never had, “Eyes on me, eyes on me. I’m here now.” She touched him with the Force and wanted to throw up. He wasn’t going to make it. She couldn’t save him. She positioned herself perpendicular to him, gently placing his head on her lap, “I can help with the pain. Would you like that?”

“Please! Yes, please!” His sobs were agonizing. She brushed his head softly, wiping the raindrops away. She breathed and called on the Force, her hands pressed to his temples. She felt him relax and all his fear and pain dissipated.

“Are…are you an Ethereal?” He panted as the wave of relief swept over him.

She laughed, “No, just a lowly padawan and medic.”

He paused as he studied her face, “I’m not going home, am I medic?”

Her smile dropped as she looked away. She couldn’t answer him. He knew and she was too cowardly to confirm the inevitable.

“It’s okay.” He grabbed her wrist, “I’m not scared anymore. I don’t know what you did to me but I’m not scared.”

She stroked his brow, “Good. You’re not alone, trooper. I’m here. I won’t be leaving your side.”

He smiled and managed a weak laugh, “If they’d told me in training I’d be dying in the arms of a beautiful girl I would have told them they were crazy.”

“Commander Leto, General Krell has sent me to retrieve you and bring you back to the transport ship,” Commander Gree’s voice startled her as he knelt next to his brother. She hadn’t heard him approach, she’d have to work on dividing her attention on the battlefield better.

“You can tell General Krell I said he can eat bantha poodoo, Commander. I’m not leaving his side.” She even shocked herself at the harshness of her tone. It wasn’t his fault Krell was a pathetic excuse for a Jedi and an even worse general. “My apologies commander. I shouldn’t have snapped like that.”

Gree held up his hand, “It’s alright. I understand. But I do have orders to bring you back.” She pondered all of her options. She wasn’t leaving this man to die alone. It was out of the question.

And then she had an idea, “Commander, yell at me.”

“Sir?”

“Yell at me. Demand I go back with you. Krell will hear you. I’ll give you a….gentle…force push. I promise I won’t be rough, but it will be enough for Krell to think you’ve done your job and you won’t be on the receiving end of his temper. The consequences of my actions will fall on me and me alone. I’m not leaving your brother’s side.”

The Commander removed his bucket, and Avery realized it was the first time she’d seen his face. “Thank you. And I am sorry for what I am going to say next. I don’t mean a word of it.”

She nodded, smiling softly silently acknowledging his apology. She glanced and saw Krell watching, arms crossed. Even at that distance she could see the scowl on his face. “Go ahead,” she whispered. And so he did.

Her plan worked, and before she knew it Pong Krell was standing over her screaming, “You’re wasting time you petulant child! Over some clone! There are thousands more to replace him! He won’t be remembered or missed and you’re here wasting precious time on him! Get up and walk to that transport ship or I will have my commander stun you and carry you back!”

Gree snapped his head toward Krell, shocked and horrified at the prospect that he might be forced to stun the padawan who was caring for his brother. Appalled because she was showing him the only act of kindness he’d know outside of the bond with his squad.

Krell’s words stoked a fire of rage within Avery. She knew it was wrong. Jedi should not feel rage. But she was consumed by it instantaneously. She released the trooper’s hand and gingerly lay his head on the ground before she rose to her feet. Her eyes burned and her jaw clenched as she drew her lightsaber, the teal blade reflecting through the pouring rain.

“You will have to carry my cold dead corpse to that transport ship, Master Krell. Don’t be a coward and send your Commander to do your dirty work. I’m just a padawan. I should be an easy victory for you.” She stepped to the side, swinging her saber in idle circles, a challenge to the Master she was staring down. She hoped she looked more brave than she felt.

“The Council and your Master will hear about this!” Krell’s threat rumbled just above the thunder of the storm.

“Good.” Her voice didn’t shake and for that she was grateful.

“Watch her! Don’t let her go anywhere,” Krell growled at Gree as he stormed off. Avery deactivated her saber and immediately dropped back to the ground, returning his head to her lap.

“M-miss m-m-medic, I d-don’t think I h-have ever seen anything q-q-quiet so b-brave or stupid in m-my life,” the trooper huffed a strangled laugh as he began to shake.

“You’re cold, here.” Avery removed her cloak and covered him. “What is your name, by the way?”

“T-thank you. I’m CT 43-0253.” He was shaking less with the warmth of her cloak but his voice was getting weaker.

“No, not your designation. Your name. What do your brothers call you?”

He smiled sadly, “I hadn’t picked one yet. I wanted to…wait. Until after the battle. Guess I don’t get to now. That was stupid of me.” There was a beat of silence before Avery asked, “What about ‘Aay’han’?” She didn’t hesitate, the Mando’a rolled off her tongue as if she’d been a native speaker. The trooper stared at her puzzled.

Gree spoke up, “I think that’s perfect. Have you learned any Mando’a, trooper?”

“No sir. Didn’t get the opportunity.”

“The name our medic has given you is akin to remembering and celebrating, the balance of mourning and joy.”

“Oh. But the General said…”

“Kriff him. We’ll remember you. Always.” Avery firmly interrupted him, brushing the soaked strands of hair from his brow. “Brace yourself boys, our favorite General is coming back.”

Krell looked all the more intimidating as lightning backlit his imposing frame. Avery did her best not to shirk back but he looked like he’d grown exponentially with his rage.

“See this Masters? This insubordinate brat is defying my orders!” Krell tried to sound composed but his rage seeped through his words.

She realized he was holding his portable holoprojector, the hazy blue figures of Master Windu and Master Yoda watching her. She didn’t have time to worry about that though as Aay’han began gasping painfully.

“Masters with all due respect, I am in the middle of something important. When I am done I will happily answer any questions you may have.”

“Very well padawan, but Master Yoda and I prefer to observe you.” Master Windu’s even tone crackled through the projector. Avery nodded sharply and resumed the comfort care she was providing her trooper.

“Miss,” Aay’han choked some before powering through, “what do you think it’s like? Death, I mean.”

She attempted to shield his face from the pounding rain. She felt the three Masters watching her, two curiously and one furiously. “Well, we, Jedi I mean, we believe there is no death. The body is just a vessel. When you die, you return to the Living Force. Never gone. Just…returned to where you came from.”

He chuckled, “Oh. That’s sounds…nice. I hope you’re right, returning to the Force I mean. I’m not keen on staying on Kamino forever.” He huffed another pained laugh before a groan escaped his lips. Speaking was becoming difficult for him. “Thank you. For the name. And for staying.”

“You’re welcome, Aay’han. It’s been an honor knowing you trooper and an honor guiding you back to the Force.” His eyes had already closed, his breathing was becoming labored and irregular. In a silence only broken by the pounding rain and rumbling thunder, Aay’han returned to the Force. She covered his face with her cloak before standing to turn to face the Jedi Masters in the hologram, “My job is done, Masters. I will answer any questions you have for me.”

“Enough, we have seen. To the temple, please return,” Master Yoda ordered.

“With pleasure, Master,” Krell growled and he shut off the projector. “Commander, put her in binders. When we are back on the cruiser I want her detained. I don’t want her getting any other ideas.”

“Sir! She…”

“It’s alright Commander,” Avery extended her wrists to him. “Do as your General says. I’ll be fine.”

“Sir…yes, sir.”

“That’s the first wise choice you’ve made this evening. I’ll see that you’re kicked out of the Order for this.” Krell sounded even more proud of the idea of having Avery removed than of his victory in battle.

Avery didn’t answer him. She stared straight ahead, jaw set with a facade of ambivalence barely held together by her few remaining strands of self control.

**********

The voyage back to the Jedi Temple was arduous, harrowing, and anguishingly long. Krell ensured she’d be transported like a common criminal. In her solitude she replayed the events that landed her in this situation over and over. What could she have done differently? If she’d been more skilled with Force healing could she have saved Aay’han? If she’d trained harder could she have done more? Did she even make the right choice? Should she have just left him and gone back to the transport? Is his death on her hands? The self doubt seeped through her like her favorite tea seeped through the tea bag.

Upon Master Krell’s orders, Avery was marched into the Temple in binders. He’d not even let her change her clothes. She was still heavily caked in mud and blood. Her face was dirty with streaks where her tears traversed her cheeks. She suspected he aimed to humiliate her. She refused to give him the satisfaction. Krell charged in before the Council, all bravado and indignation while Commander Gree gently guided her in behind him. The softness of his hand on her back stood in sharp contrast to the aggressive aura of Krell.

“Master Krell, don’t you think the binders are a little excessive?” Master Windu queried, a hint of agitation nipping at his question.

“I didn’t want her to try to escape. She needed to come before you and answer for what she did!” The accusation was absurd at best and she was grateful the Masters seated before her seemed to know that.

“Commander Gree, remove the binders please. I do not believe she will go anywhere,” Master Plo gently requested as he gave Avery a soft paternal nod.

“Sir, yes sir!” Gree could barely contain his joy and gave her a comforting squeeze of the hand before removing the binders.

“So Avery, what do you have to say?” Master Plo continued. His fingers were interlocked in a posture far too relaxed for the situation, in Avery’s opinion.

She studied the room. She felt a tinge of shame when she saw her own master, Tana Vytuia, sitting amongst the council members who were determining her fate.

Avery lifted her chin and did her best to appear confident in her decision. “Masters, I do not regret my actions. Nor will I ask your forgiveness. You sent me on that mission as a medic. I am training to be a healer. I could not save that trooper, but he deserved to die with dignity. Without pain and fear. In the company of someone who would guide him back to the Living Force. I would do it for any trooper under my care, without hesitation.”

The High Council sat silent for a moment. For how long Avery didn’t know. It felt like ages before anyone spoke.

“Kind and honorable, you are padawan. Strong in the Force, you are. An exceptional healer, you shall be.” Master Yoda smiled at her.

“Master?” The confusion in her voice was heavy but there was a glimmer of hope there too.

“Master Yoda is right. The Council has reviewed the hologram of your actions extensively. You displayed some of the finest qualities of a Jedi. We are proud of you, padawan. Instead of using your Force Healing to fight death, you embraced the peace to come and helped a trooper do the same. It gives us great pleasure to inform you that you have passed the final trial. You are now a Jedi Knight.” Master Windu rose to his feet and tilted his head in a slight bow. Avery stared, eyes like saucers and jaw agape in complete shock. She was convinced she was going to be thrown out, not promoted. She looked around the room at the Masters before her and all but Krell were smiling warmly at her.

It wasn’t until Gree placed a congratulatory hand on her shoulder that she spoke again, “Masters, I can honestly say this was not how I envisioned this going.”

“Neither did I,” she heard Krell grumble as he slowly slunk backward.

“However,” she continued, “I am truly grateful and honored that the Council has deemed me worthy of knighthood. I promise I will uphold the Jedi Code, and humbly request I continue my training to become a Consular and Healer.”

“We look forward to seeing the great things you will achieve. If you wait here, we will discuss your future as a general in the GAR,” Master Windu answered proudly.

A general? In the GAR? Master Windu’s words made her nauseous. She listened as Krell was offered platitudes for his successful mission and small talk was exchanged as they shuffled off to their next assignment. Soon the High Council Chamber had cleared out, leaving Avery standing with Masters Yoda, Windu, and Tana.

“Troubled, your mind is young Jedi,” Master Yoda observed her with compassion.

“Masters. I,” she paused and gathered her courage. “I must ask that you not assign troops to me.”

Master Windu studied her with an air of curiosity, “Alright, why do you not want to lead our troops?”

This was more terrifying than standing up to Krell. She didn’t want to appear ungrateful for what the Council had done, but she couldn’t be a General.

“Masters, I am a healer. I tend wounds, I provide comfort care when those wounds are fatal. I…I fix the damage done to our troops on the battlefield. I provide peace and refuge if only briefly. I can’t be the one responsible for leading them to that fate. It stands in direct contradiction to what I stand for. I humbly request you have me serve in a medical capacity. I’ll be a field medic. I’ll work in the field hospitals. I’ll rotate the hospital frigates. But I can’t be the reason the clones need healing when I am the one who is supposed to do the healing.”

Master Yoda pondered her words, his brow turned in a thoughtful expression, “A compelling argument you make, young one. Agree with you, I do.”

Master Windu smiled, “Very well. You will serve the Republic within the MedCorps.” He turned to her former master, “Now, Tana, will you take Avery to her new quarters? She should get cleaned up and rest before we give her her assignments tomorrow.” Avery dipped into a deep bow, relieved and bubbling with gratitude.

**********

“Avery, something else is on your mind. What is it?” After being her Master for well over 10 years, Avery should have expected she couldn’t hide much from Tana. The wise Jedi had become as close to a mother as possible without having actually birthed her.

Avery didn’t answer immediately, instead listening to their rhythmic footsteps in the empty hallways, wondering how she should vocalize her trepidation. “I’m…worried, Master. About the clones.”

“Worried?”

“I’ve only worked alongside them for a little bit but I’ve gotten to know many of them in that short time. They’re so loyal to a Republic they’ve never even seen. A Republic that doesn’t even consider them citizens or give them rights. They don’t even get names! They name themselves or their brothers name them!” She stopped for a moment remembering Aay’han. She’d chosen his name. He almost died without a name. The thought twisted her stomach. How many unknown troopers were there?

“I used to think the Republic was unquestionably fighting for justice in the galaxy. Now I find myself more and more concerned about the troopers fighting the war. Are we truly fighting for justice when our own soldiers are denied basic rights?”

Her former Master considered her words before answering, “I don’t have those answers for you, I’m afraid. In war things are rarely black and white. You make compelling arguments and, as always, I’m so proud of the compassion and kindness you show to all beings. Convene with the Force, it will provide you the answers you need as you need them.”

“Yes, master,” she sighed. She knew Master Vytuia was right but she wanted her answers now.

The remainder of their walk passed in silence until they arrived at Avery’s new quarters. Tana turned to Avery and hugged her. “Here we are. I am so proud of you Avery. You will continue to learn so much working with Master Vokara Che in the infirmary.”

“Thank you, Master Vytuia.” The thought of no longer being under her Master’s tutelage brought tears to her eyes.

“I think we’ve reached a point where you can just call me Tana, Avery.”

“That will take some getting used to,” Avery mused with a smile. She dipped into one final bow before she walked inside and heaved a heavy sigh. First order of business would be the shedding of her padawan braid. The second would be to climb in the refresher. Third would be meditation. In the silence of her new private room, she thought she could hear a familiar voice call to her through the Force. And so she answered, “I hear you Aay’han. I promise I will help as many of your brothers as I can.”

Ragu List: @sev-on-kamino @starrylothcat @multi-fan-dom-madness

@msmeredithrose @wings-and-beskar @wizardofrozz @523rdrebel

@littlemissmanga @the-bad-batch-baroness @dickarchivist @eclec-tech

@dreamie411 @cw80831 @eternal-transcience

@heidnspeak @nahoney22 @tlmtwelve @lonewolflupe

@laspicyfresa @reader6898 @bamfahsoka

@crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf because you drew that lovely art of Tana!

Echo’s first hugs with his Bad Batch bros. I can’t even….!

#sweet and touching and awkward and smirky #echo my love

A Quick Cuddle - Part 1 - Wrecker

Hi all! Since I really needed some comfort (and it seems like many others need it right now too) this will be my first post for Echo-vember. I've decided to post one Echo-focused fic each week of November revolving around the first time Echo hugs each of the batch. If you want to be tagged when I post these fics let me know <3

Thank you @renton6echo for coming up with the concept of Echo-vember. I'm excited for it <3

Ao3 Link

Part 2 - Tech - Tumblr Link & Ao3 Link

Part 3 - Hunter - Tumblr Link & Ao3 Link

Part 4 - Crosshair - Tumblr Link & Ao3 Link

Summary: The first time Echo hugs Wrecker

Word Count: 1,021

Their mission had gone off without a hitch. It was the first of many, Echo hoped, as they boarded the Marauder to embark on whatever was next for the group. He could barely keep up with how fast everything was moving. One mission after another, no planet longer than a few days, so much to learn he was racing just not to fall behind. Rest days were far and few between. He slept even less with Clones Force 99 than he did when he was a 501st ARC. Even when he did it was always surrounded by people just as he liked it, constantly listening to the sounds of snores and chatter and even breathing. That was okay with Echo. He didn’t have too much time to think in between rushing into battle and his new squad was about as chaotic as he expected. They were nearly yelling over each other in the excited rush that followed their mission. It was swift, simple, but they’d run into the need for an explosion and that got all of their blood pumping. Who would’ve thought, the squad of excitable commandos liked when things went boom. He was busy smiling at them, ignoring the need to make a plan, set a path, move on, while they pushed each other around and chattered. 

“That was awesome!” Wrecker whooped as he whipped his helmet off, letting it clatter to the floor. A wide smile stretched across his face, skin flushed with excitement. He shoved Echo’s shoulder. “Who knew you could do something like that?!” Right. Echo tried to bite back the grin but he was fighting a losing battle. He’d been on top of a walker, helping plant explosives while the rest of them distracted enemies for him and the big guy. Apparently using his grappling hook to swing off the side of it, wrapping its legs together, and tucking into a roll as he dismounted wasn’t just a common method everyone used. When he’d knocked the walker over he yelled at Wrecker to run, close enough that their backs heated while the explosion went off behind them. Echo wasn’t sure why it was particularly exciting but it may have been the domino effect of explosions that detonated throughout the battlefield that made them all so giddy. 

Something about fire. It just really made all of them bouncier. 

Echo shrugged, attempting nonchalance. “Had to learn something from all of that ARC training.” It was the first time he’d truly felt confident with the batch. They’d only known each other for a few weeks, spent even less time in the field, and he’d fumbled a few plays - understandable - but he’d let it hurt his ego a bit too much. All those racing thoughts and unease had wriggled its way into his mind. A win was nice. It reminded him who he was. A time when they thought he fit in was even better. The batch was so tight he started to think infiltrating their ranks was impossible. 

Maybe he just hadn’t given them enough time. 

Wrecker laughed - bright and jovial - nudging Echo again, this time hard enough that he bumped into Hunter who steadied him with a grin. “You can say that again! We make a great team.” In a move that almost knocked all the air out of his lungs Wrecker swept his arms around Echo’s waist, lifting him up into the air. The shock came first along with a surprised noise from the back of his throat - not a squeak, thank you very much - as the big guy hugged him. His feet dangled in the air while Wrecker swayed him back and forth. 

This was the first time any of them had hugged him. For a brief moment it was like being doused in freezing cold water but the warmth radiating off of Wrecker made every bone in his body relax. Hugs certainly hadn’t been at the top of his list of priorities - he hadn’t really thought about it - but he found himself smiling regardless. Wrecker was a tactile guy, mostly shoving and throwing his arm around the others, but hugs weren’t out of the question. Echo just hadn’t realized that Wrecker would ever want to hug him with his metal and attitude and newness to the squad so he’d not yet attempted to get physically closer to any of them yet. At least Wrecker was the easiest to befriend, so quick to invite Echo to join him in their down time and offer him space. It felt nice to be treated like a part of things. He couldn’t really hug him back, not with his arms pinned to the side as they were, but he did chuckle, awkwardly patting Wrecker’s side.

“Any time, big guy. Maybe next time we can make it a few more yards away from the explosion before it goes off.” The light scold was taken lightheartedly with a laugh. Wrecker squeezed him tight one last time then put him down, holding onto his shoulder to keep him steady while he regained his footing. The smile stuck to his face so bad he almost had to hide it behind his hand. Something as simple as a hug and he was taken down, reduced to silence, watching dutifully as the rest of them kept getting under each other's skin. Lucky was a word he would use, he supposed. It may seem simple but the worry that his new squad wouldn’t feel comfortable enough to be tactile with him was slowly ebbing away, flickering to the back of his mind even for the moment. His hand itched to do the same things the rest of them seemed so comfortable with - shoving, ruffling hair, hugs - but he wasn’t quite there yet. Wasn’t ready to be the initiator for tactile forms of affection. Wrecker had opened the door, allowed in some form of familiarity he hadn’t quite realized he missed so much. There was still learning, sure, but hope bloomed in his chest at the thought that this could be more than a squad, more than a team, but something closer to his heart altogether.

Can’t wait for this fic to be released and meet a new OC. In the mean time drool over Wolffe. You’ll definitely need a bucket. 🔥

#wolffe is so krifffing hot #i hope I remember how to read when the story comes out

Meet Perdita! 🥰💚💕

(She is @legacygirlingreen ‘s new OC! Enjoy the excerpt from her upcoming story with Commander Wolffe below!)

“I won’t kill you,” he said, the words steady but heavy. His eyes darted around. The cybernetic one struggling to see in the dimly lit cell as he searched for the control panel on the wall.

Perdita didn’t respond, assuming he was ready to leave and her last attempt at peace foiled by a clone who truly owed her little loyalty. As she prepared for his departure she felt the chains around her hands unlock, before falling away. Flexing her fingers she looked up to see him much closer now as he tugged her forearm.

“But I won’t let them take you, either.” His voice was low, almost aggressive in nature, as if he was revolting against the very action he was taking.

Perdita didn’t smile. She didn’t thank him. She just nodded, the flicker of something like hope passing through her eyes. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to give him the courage to take the next step—whatever that might be.

💚Tag List💚

@legacygirlingreen @thora-sniper @thecoffeelorian @neyswxrld @somewhere-on-kamino @clonethirstingisreal @royallykt @morerandombullshit @burningfieldof-clover @tbnrpotato @keantha @returnofthepineapple @antisocial-mariposa @techs-stitches @resistantecho @kimiheartblade @dezgate @sunshinesdaydream @rex-targaryen @freesia-writes @heidnspeak @justanotherdikutsimp

(All writing and layout design created by @legacygirlingreen )

Hilarious!

Some Bad Batch tweets! Headcanon that Vice Admiral Rampart has a very pathetic 100% one-sided hate crush on Crosshair. Solely for the memes.

Have a Ventress doodle while I'm working on more clone content 👀

Totally believable.

the bad batch see echo as this more-experienced, grumpy yet loving motherly figure who always checks on them, whether it’s making sure tech gets some sleep to giving hunter/crosshair glasses so they don’t get overstimulated to treating wreckers scar to putting omega to bed. he is the responsible one.

when they mention this to rex, he stares at echo in horror. because that boy is a demon. the same boy who snuck out drinking with fives, who once broke his knuckle punching a droid, who used to jump cody/rex/anakin from behind doors and try to tackle them.

no one belives rex when he says this.

echo is hiding behind a nearby door, listening in and preparing to jump rex.

Wrecker has many layers.

Wrecker is a structural engineer.

He can look at a building floor plan or stand in the lobby and say something like, “Yeah this used cross-joists, you can tell by the way the elevator supports meet the load bearing walls.”

He gets into arguments with Tech on missions because Tech memorizes the blueprints but Wrecker knows those are more like a guideline. “Which blueprints, Tech? The design schematics or the as-builts because we both know they’re not the same. And this wall,” He smashes through it, “is not load bearing because the foundation was made with heavy reinforced permacrete instead of standard.”

He may also have done chemical engineering to help build and disarm improvised explosive devices.

This is all so he can look at a separatist factory, spaceship or tank and say, “No the engineering section will be over here because if they put it over there they’d have to run the waste heat from the reactor through the life support compartments and that would make the methane scrubbers impossible to balance.”

And he’ll ask Tech what the tensile strength of a three centimeter braided carbon nanotube cable is so he can calculate how much explosive to use on the cable’s anchor point but when they get there he’ll say, “I won’t need as much because I can already see stress cracks around the bolts.”

Alpha-17 being the bestest ori’vod to youngster Cody and a yet-to-be named blond kiddo. ❤️

#tcw

A Buir's Burden (One-Shot)

This is my entry for the first week of @clone-wars-winter-challenge's The Clone Wars Winter Spectacular 2024! It's also my first attempt at whump AND my first time writing Alpha-17 (help that's a lot of firsts - and multitasking!). I was a bit reluctant about writing Alpha-17, because everything I know about him comes from fanart and headcanons. I hope I did him justice!

Summary: Alpha-17 is interrupted from his nightly solitude when a little vod is in need of help Rating: Teen and up Tags: hurt/comfort, whump, fluff (buir/adiike/vode bonding), blood and injury, clone cadets Words: 1.539 Characters: Alpha-17, Cadet CT-7567 Rex, Cadet CC-2224 Cody Prompts: Peppermint / "I feel cold" / Alpha-17 Read this one-shot here on AO3

A sharp, icy wind terrorised Tipoca City, slamming snowflakes against the transparisteel windows as it howled a harrowing song. It was darker than usual outside, the landing platforms abandoned. Inside the domed structures, the sterile white corridors weren't much busier either at this hour. To Alpha-17, it was the perfect moment to ponder in silence, as he roamed the empty corridors with large yet slow steps.

Suddenly, he laid eyes on a lonely cadet, standing out by his short, blonde hair. The boy couldn't be older than 5; but who knew exactly, with the clones' accelerated ageing? The kid silently looked up at him, his eyes big and watery. Alpha kneeled down in front of him and put a comforting hand on the kid's shoulder. "What is it, boy?"

The kid wiped his nose with his sleeve whilst making a sniffing sound, before addressing his senior with worried gasps between every shaking word. "It's-It's Cody. H-he hurt himself," he stammered, as his eyes started to tear up. Alpha gently squeezed the boy's shoulder before granting him an encouraging nod. "And where is Cody now?"

Without hesitation, the blonde kid’s small hand grabbed Alpha's index finger and pulled it after him, urging the ARC to follow him. Alpha did, only taking him big steps to keep up with the hasty child. It didn't take them long to reach one of the doors to an outside landing platform. The kid halted, pointed towards the door and looked up towards Alpha expectantly.

"Kid, what were you doing outside?" Alpha sighed, as he walked over to the door to open it. A faint feeling of dread creeped up deep inside him, not sure what he would find outside. The boy swallowed audibly before he found the courage to answer the adult. "We.. We wanted to touch the white stuff," he replied in a soft, trembling voice, lowering his gaze.

Alpha frowned at the words, before it dawned on him. "The snow?" he shot out in surprise when he realised, a faint smile appearing on his face as he looked affectionately at the kid, who returned his suspicions with an enthusiastic nod in affirmation. "But Cody slipped and hit his head!" he cried out anxiously, pointing at his brother as soon as the door whooshed open.

The cadet's small body laid head down and motionless on the hard surface of the landing platform, his brown hair and the fabric of his uniform swaying around as the icy wind touched his body. The faint feeling of dread suddenly took over, and without another word, Alpha ran over to the kid. The platform was slippery, but he was able to smoothly make his way towards the injured cadet, sliding down on his knees when he reached him.

His own heart racing, Alpha quickly checked for a heartbeat. He was relieved when he found one, noticing how the boy's ribcage slowly moved with every breath - although faintly. With the utmost care, he rolled the boy over and took him in his arms, tightly pulling him against his chest. He cautiously found his way back inside, where the blonde-haired boy was waiting nervously, fretting with concern over his brother.

Without losing more precious time, Alpha found his way towards the medbay, Cody clasped in his embrace, afraid he would otherwise let the kid fall from his arms. The blonde cadet followed closely behind, almost running into him whenever he slowed down to turn a corner.

When they reached the medbay and walked into the room, they were welcomed by the scent of sterilised equipment. It reminded Alpha of peppermint, although he hoped the young cadets would keep associating it with sweets rather than medical instruments - at least for now.

Alpha looked around, but there was no one here; no injured clones, but no active med droids either. He grunted; you could never trust a droid when you needed one. He walked to the nearest bed and carefully placed the injured kid on it, preparing to do whatever was necessary to patch him up.

Now that they were inside with some proper lighting, he was able to examine the kid's injuries. Cody was still unconscious, but he was breathing. The big gap on his brow ridge did worry Alpha, as wet blood was sticking to the cold skin. He turned around to find some med supplies in order to start his treatment.

When he returned to the bed, the other kid was peering over the edge of it, his eyes straight at his brother. Worry was written all over his young face. Alpha managed a smile before addressing him. "He'll be alright, I'm gonna fix him up," he shot at the kid in an attempt to comfort him. His big, brown eyes shifted to Alpha as he spoke to him.

He cleared his throat as he took an irrigation bulb from the medpac and gently started to clean the wound with the container’s cleansing fluid. "So, er- What's your name, kid?" he asked the blonde one, trying to sound as warm and approachable as possible. The kid focussed on Alpha's treatment, following his every move with great concern for his brother. "I'm CT-7567," he answered without looking up. Alpha huffed wryly, briefly checking on the wound before continuing to clean it. "But have you picked a name yet?" he continued, but the kid's only reaction was a shy shake with his head.

Alpha carefully examined the wound before applying coagulant to make sure the blood would clot, and thus stopping any further bleeding. After he was done, he gently placed a bacta patch on top of the wound. It would heal nicely, but the cut was deep; it would probably leave a scar on the boy’s brow ridge.

The blonde kid finally found his courage to share more of his feelings. "I wish.. I wish I had been strong enough to help him myself. To carry him back inside. I didn't like to leave him behind on the platform." Alpha interrupted his treatment to look the kid in the eyes, slightly leaning forward. "I understand; we don't leave brothers behind. But since you couldn't help him yourself, you did the right thing to come and find someone else. You'll find your strength - you'll get the experience."

He leaned back and took a cloth from the medpac, which he used to softly wipe the remnants of blood from Cody’s skin. Despite his focus, he was able to shoot an encouraging smile towards the other cadet. "I think you were very courageous tonight. I know a name that would fit you very well. Do you like to hear it?" The boy looked up at him eagerly before slowly nodding. "I think you'd make a great Rex," Alpha answered the boy’s anticipation, interrupting his nodding to make room for a frown. "Rex? What does that mean?" the cadet shot out in confusement.

After wiping the last visible blood away, Alpha put the cloth down and looked the kid straight in the eyes in encouragement before elaborating. "That you're a great leader. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses. You'll be there for your brothers when they need you, but you'll know when to call for help when you need it. There is no shame in that. You're a great brother, Rex." The boy's face lit up instantly, his eyes glistening proudly.

At that moment, Cody groaned, his limbs shivering as he finally started to wake up. Alpha immediately shifted his focus to the injured boy, hoping to make him as comfortable as possible. "I feel cold..," Cody whispered, the pain and discomfort written on his hurt face. "I got you," Alpha replied softly, looking around to search for something that could help warm the kid, but there wasn't anything useful. There was only one thing that came to mind now.

With a smooth movement, he unclipped his chestplate and put it on the floor, before quickly continuing to take off the armour attached to his upper body. When he was done, he zipped down the upper part of his blacks, and carefully took Cody in his arms again. He placed the cold cadet on his chest, making sure to drape the blacks around him. He could use his body warmth to raise the kid’s temperature.

As soon as Cody felt the skin's warmth, he sighed contently and nestled himself into a comfortable position, making a smile appear on Alpha's face. He was shaken from his affection over Cody when he realised Rex had walked over and was now standing at his side. He looked at Alpha expectantly, but was too shy to ask his burning question.

Alpha couldn't help but chuckle, slightly shaking his head. "Alright, alright, you too, little vod," he smiled, before extending one arm towards him. He scooped Rex off the floor and aided the kid towards him. Rex climbed on top of Alpha's chest, comfortably snuggling himself against his warming brother's side.

In a reflex of protectiveness, Alpha put his arms tenderly around the bundle of boys on top of him, before carefully leaning backwards. He hummed softly as he closed his eyes, feeling two small heartbeats comfortably beating against his chest, before slowly dozing off into a warm slumber.

the bad beach 🏖

bonus:

This is perfect!

Watching the Darkness On Umbara arc, and because I still have Bad Batch brain rot, I’m thinking about how they would have reacted to Krell’s bullshit, so here’s what I’ve got:

Hunter: Sir, with all due respect—

Crosshair, flicking a toothpick: Which is none

Hunter, trying not to laugh: —we’re not doing that. Bad Batch, plan 43, let’s go!

Krell: Sergeant, you can’t—!

Wrecker: Too bad!

Fives, smacking Rex: Why can’t we be like them?!