Me, Going Over Some Older Chapters That I’ve Already Posted: Oh Man, I Did A Great Job With This OC!

GOT THAT PREORDER IN.

If they have Tech deliver a baby, I can die happy. And if they have clone confusion about the Birds and the Bees??? PLEASE.

And just...just give me Tech and Phee. Please. I just miss them so so much. And Tech and Omega. And Tech and Wrecker. And Tech and Hunter. And Tech in general.

WAKE UP TECHPHEE NATION!!!!!!!

FORGET EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON IN THE FANDOM RIGHT NOW:

I think I've finally come up with a ship name for TechPhee:

TechnoloPhee.

Like Technology.

You're welcome.

You know, Crosshair is probably the only character that turned out softer than I imagined them, but also while staying completely in character. And I am loving it.

Executive Cucumber's Thoughts on the Bad Batch 03x09!

Spoilers under the cut

Apologies for this being late, I worked overtime and then immediately went to rescue my sister and her kids from a car breakdown. I got overwhelmed pretty quick.

I really liked this episode, but as I was in a not great mood when I watched it, I didn't absorb as much as I normally do. (My mood really affects how much I enjoy something, regardless of quality. I was in a foul mood when I first watched Faster and was fairly critical of it. I was wrong.)

This is really the first time we've seen not beautiful weather on Pabu and that's terrifying.

CROSSHAIR IS PART OF A COMMUNITY!!! Have yall considered that he's never been a part of a community before? Like yes, he's has his family, but a community?

'Does it matter? We're not giving her up.' This man. I love this man. If Tech did not already reign Supreme in my heart, I think Crosshair would be my favorite character in Star Wars.

ASAJJ VENTRESS MY QUEEEEEEEEEN

Oh Omega, that story fell apart faster than Hunter's resistance to adopting you.

They leave a space for Tech 💔

Apparently those blood tester things that Qui Gon had were Jedi issue only.

YOU CAN DO IT OMEGA!!! Wrecker, honey, if Omega CAN do it, that means her life gets WAY harder.

They one hundred percent sent Crosshair to look at Tech's data because Hunter and Wrecker can barely do it.

'Go get a flower kid, I gotta beat up your dads'

Okay, I honestly think Hunter doesn't have the time for romance and could honestly see him as asexual, but-

HIS WAIST IS SO SLUTTY. HOW IS IT SO SLUTTY.

I don't think we've seen such well choreographed hand to hand fighting in animated Star Wars. Except maybe that time that Rex absolutely destroyed those Zygerrians. But I might be biased about that.

'SHE'S A WAR CRIMINAL OMEGA' Okay now I need to know what defines war crimes in this universe. Did they have space Geneva?

You know, good thing Echo's not here. He'd probably be WAY more pissed than these three.

'You're naive' says the man who was changed by the child saying people can change.

I love Crosshair's 'oh shoot she's right' face.

Wrecker's little gasp when Ventress looks at them is AMAZING.

I love it when Star Wars is using the Force to connect with animals.

I'm sorry, Hunter girlies, I guess we getting wet hair everyone except Hunter. (Though Ventress looks SO GOOD)

VENTRESS YOU QUEEN I LOVE YOU YOU'VE COME SO FAR (I haven't read dark disciple but my sister has, and she informed me that Vos' Dark Side training by Ventress culminated in him summoning a water monster and killing it. This is such a beautiful parallel that she calms it.)

Crosshair helping Omega on is my everything.

I really love that Crosshair has decided to give Ventress a chance, because he was given a chance. (And also I lowkey ship them in a one night stand kinda way. Crossajj is such a good ship name too)

DAD DUO.

I don't think Ventress is lying when she says Omega isn't Force sensitive. Omega doesn't show ANYTHING in this episode that implies that she's sensitive. Yes, she uses Batcher, but she'd trained Batcher with normal friend methods. I think that Ventress stops the testing prematurely before she can be more sure, because she sees the possibly unhealthy attachment the Batch have. It might also be to protect Omega to not know for sure. My personal theory is that Omega is slightly more sensitive than the average clone, but not to any natural talent degree.

Oh gosh, I'm so scared for the next few episodes. Ventress gives them such a clear warning. This episode did such a good job of getting the tension tight again.

I know some people call this episode redundant, but the characters NEED this in order to catch up. We as an audience knew that M Counts meant midichlorians. But the Batch had no idea. Sometimes, we need to let the main characters catch up with us.

(This is also why Tech as CX-2 works on a reveal level because the mystery isn't for us, it's for the characters)

But yeah, a great episode! I'm terrified for everything and everyone!

A quick note- I've seen people say that it's too late in the season for Tech to return. I'd like to remind you that it took exactly two episodes in season 2 to get us behind Crosshair's redemption. They can do a lot in a few episodes.

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 2: Just Like old times/Memories

Hey guys! I'm sorry for not posting this on actual day two. Finals are happening here at school and I've been really busy. I'm going to continue posting these as I have time to finish them, but don't expect them to be on the actual day.

Day 2: Just Like Old Times

"Rex!"

Rex jerked up, banging his head against the bottom of the speeder he was attempting to fix. He cursed as he pushed himself out from under the thing. He looked up at who had interrupted him.

"Sorry." Hera said with an apologetic smile.

"It'll be fine. What can I do for you?" Rex asked, rubbing his head.

If it had been Ezra or Sabine, he would have assumed foul play, but he knew that Hera hadn't meant it.

"Are you up for another supply run? We're running low on medical supplies, but a contact has agreed to drop some off for us." Hera said.

"Sure." Rex said.

It'd be good to get out and get something done besides the busywork of building up the base.

"Thanks!" Hera said. "I think that Ahsoka'll be up for it as well."

"Commander Tano?" Rex asked with a snort. As if the Commander had time.

"I thought you'd be pleased." Hera said with a raised eyebrow. "I can ask her."

"What?" Rex asked. "No, don't bother her-"

Ahsoka didn't go on simple supply runs. She had far more important missions and half the time she was away on her own Jedi business.

"I don't think she's got another mission." Hera said. "And since it's you- well, I don't think she'll say no."

Hera winked and Rex flushed. He didn't know why he got embarrassed whenever people alluded to his closeness with Ahsoka.

Well, maybe he did. Maybe it had something to do with those emotions born during the Siege of Mandalore, emotions he had smothered during his years on Seelos, emotions that had burst into bloom again when he'd seen her again.

Rex shrugged at Hera.

"Well, if she says yes, I won't complain." He said. "Though Zeb's a good enough replacement."

Hera nodded and left, presumably to find Ahsoka. Rex looked back at the speeder and contemplated going back to work on it. He probably wouldn't be able to concentrate. Thoughts of Ahsoka tended to be distracting.

Rex shook his head hard. What was he doing, thinking of his Commander like that? Not only was he too far beneath her, he was an old man now. She deserved someone who could last her more than a few years.

It would be good to go on a mission with her. They hadn't had too much time to catch up since he'd returned to the Rebellion. It'd be just like old times.

He continued to tell himself that as he sat in the shuttle, waiting for Ahsoka to board. She came into the cockpit and smiled at him, blue eyes twinkling as she met his gaze.

"We ready to go?" She asked as she took the co-pilot's seat.

Rex nodded. He turned the engines on, feeling them rumble beneath him.

"Didn't think you'd be able to make it." He said. "Commander Sato's usually got you doing more important things than supply runs."

Ahsoka shrugged as Rex guided the shuttle out of the hangar and into the sky.

"I needed a break." She said. "And we haven't had a chance to sit down and talk since you've gotten back."

Rex glanced at her. It was true. They'd had a short time alone after their reunion, but it had been mostly questions to make sure the other was okay and Rex getting answers about the Rebellion. He knew at the time that the moments they had were precious and going to be rare from that point onward. He'd been too afraid to let them proceed naturally.

"You're telling me that there's nothing else you could be doing besides humoring an old man?" He asked.

The ship jumped into hyperspace. Ahsoka turned to him with a frown.

"Don't call yourself that." She said. "You're four years younger than me."

"Tell that to my knees." Rex replied.

He felt his body's age every time he stood, moved, or even woke up in the morning. His mind, though, felt far younger than his fifty-five year old body.

Ahsoka continued to give him a disapproving glare and Rex sighed.

"All right. I won't." He said. "This still isn't a great use of your time."

"I think I can decide that." Ahsoka said, a smile twitching at her lips.

Rex met her gaze for a moment and her blue eyes seemed to stun him. He swallowed hard and turned back to the controls.

Just like old times. He told himself. That's all it's going to be.

He could feel Ahsoka's curious gaze on him.

"Rex?" She asked. "Are you all right?" "I'm just fine." He said. "This'll be just like old times, huh? The two of us on a mission."

Ahsoka cocked her head.

"But it's not like old times." She said softly.

Don't say that. Rex thought. It needed to be like old times. Times where all he felt for Ahsoka was fondness and his love for her was that of a friend.

"Oh?" Rex asked, trying to keep his voice even.

"We didn't go on missions too often by ourselves." Ahsoka said. A nostalgic smile graced her lips. "I think Anakin avoided it, to be honest."

Rex blinked at her.

"Why?" He asked. "We make a good team."

"I know." Ahsoka said. Her lekku and cheeks were darkening into a blush. "Maybe too good of a team."

So the General had seen what Rex had tried to ignore for those years before the Siege: Ahsoka's massive crush on Rex.

"Ah." Rex managed.

Ahsoka's eyes were distant.

"I wish it were just like old times." She said. "With the 501st, and Anakin, and Obi Wan."

Rex nodded his head. The loss of his brothers and Generals spiked his heart, as fresh as the day the Tribunal had crashed.

"I did have other duties I could have been doing." Ahsoka went on. Rex jolted as she put her hand on his. "But, Rex, you're the only person I have left."

Rex didn't quite trust himself as he lifted his gaze to meet her eyes again. She was staring at him with an intensity that made him shiver.

"Anakin was probably right in not letting us go on missions together." She said. "At least for my sake."

She leaned forward, their faces closer than they ever had been. Rex's heart began to pound against his chest as if he were facing his first ordinance drill.

"I think he'd be right to do the same now." She said.

Rex found himself nodding, breathless. Ahsoka smiled.

She kissed him.

Not like old times. Rex thought vaguely as he pressed back. It wasn't a bad thing.

Not me clutching this screenshot to my chest, grinning like an idiot, because YES. YES HE'S BACK. I AM SEEING IT WITH MY EYEBALLS. IT'S REAL NOW

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

I REPEAT.

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

WHY ARE THEY SHOWING US THIS????

THEY HAVE TO GET TOGETHER BEFORE EPISODE 7.

SO I’M 95% SURE THAT THE SECOND PART OF THE SEASON IS ABOUT GETTING TECH BACK.

LOOK AT THEM.

CROSS IS WITH HUNTER. WITHOUT HIS HELMET. THEY CANNOT DENY IT ANYMORE!

Anyone else completely normal about the scene with Omega and Tech in The Crossing and Omega says 'we're a family, aren't we?' and the writers could have 100 percent could have had Tech say 'technically, we do not fall under the traditional family structure' or something like that and we would have been mildly disappointed but unsurprised but instead they had him acknowledge that they are a family and even saying 'of course' they're a family which just was such a beautiful moment in which he breaks autism stereotypes and is just a beautiful person that I love?

TechPhee Weekend: Day 3

Title: She'll Take it

Rating: T

Summary:

TechPhee Weekend Day 3: Reunion

Phee had accepted that her daydreams about reuniting with Tech would go unfulfilled. Well, maybe not completely unfulfilled. Just a little different.

HERE WE ARE. HERE IT IS. ALMOST THREE WEEKS AFTER.

It’s a bit shorter, but I think it’s sweet.

Day 3: Reunion

Phee had daydreamed about how her reunion with Tech would go. If she was realistic, she’d probably have to chase him down. But it was nice to imagine that he’d come looking for her. Sometimes he’d be unhurt, sometimes he’d have an arm in a sling.

Phee would be casual, saying something like “There you are, Brown Eyes.”

Even in her fantasies he was awkward. “Yes.” He’d say. “I have returned.”

Then he’d give her one of his tiny smiles, smiles she’d learned were as precious as kyber.

“You gonna tell me where you went?” She’d ask.

He would cock his head.

“Of course.”

He would sit next to her, and give her a practical recounting of the mission. She’d enjoy it anyway.

She’d take his hand when he was done. He’d probably stare at their hands, confused.

“I’m glad you’re back, Brown Eyes.” 

He’d look up, focusing on her with his gorgeous gaze.

“As am I.” 

Sometimes she’d kiss him, sometimes they’d just sit and hold hands. But they were happy.

Then she’d gotten the news. Wrecker, tears in his eyes and voice rough, had told her. Cid, a traitor. Omega, captured. Tech-

Oh, Tech.

The reunion would never happen. The months passed, Phee’s time split between her own work and the dogged search for Omega. Then the brilliant girl got herself out. But before Phee could come see her, she was gone again. Sacrificed herself, just like he had. Phee had helped Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair as best she could. She’d given them the best chance to find their kid again.

Phee would forever regret taking a job after helping them. She had figured that she couldn’t help them and there was no way she could just sit around and wait. 

But that meant she was halfway across the galaxy when she got the comm from Hunter.

“We’re on our way back. Couple hours out.” He’d told her. “Omega’s safe. But-”

Phee had caught her breath. Had Wrecker-

“We- found something. Someone.” Hunter had gone on. “He was one of them, but- after I-”

Phee had never heard Hunter sound so lost or shaky. When Omega had been taken the first time, he’d been dark and angry. The second, he had been determined and focused. Nothing like this.

“Start from the beginning.” She’d said, heart pounding. 

So she listened, horrified, as Hunter described a dark monster, cruel and vitriolic. It had taken Crosshair’s hand, been the one to burn Pabu, and had tried very hard to keep Omega from them. Hunter had hurled an electrospear through its chest. 

And then- and then, after Hemlock was dead, as they passed the body, it had called their names. Not even to get their attention, it had seemed. Just a reaction to seeing them. Against his better judgement, Hunter had approached. Taken its helmet off.

It had been Tech.

Hunter had paused there, waiting for Phee’s response.

“Is he still alive?” She had managed to demand.

“Yes.”

Phee had clapped a hand to her mouth, torn between sobbing and throwing up. 

“He survived thanks to the cybernetics they’d given him. But- he’s acting more like himself now. Something- something to do with his injury.”

Silence for a moment, and then- “He’s asked for you.”

Phee’s breath had caught and her chest had ached.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She had whispered. “Thank you.”

She’d switched her comm off and then cried. She didn’t even really know why. Too many thoughts flooded her: he’s alive, he’s a monster, he was taken by them, he’s home.

Strangely, the thought that broke out of the haze was that she wouldn’t be there when he returned to Pabu.

Now she sent a message to her employer that explained that something had come up. If she tried to do anything now, she’d get herself killed. And then she set her course for home.

The following few days were agony. She paced, tried and failed to distract herself, and occasionally cried her heart out. MEL tried to comfort her, but Phee didn’t think she could settle until she saw Tech with her own eyes. Hunter contacted her every few hours, which was kind, but it wasn’t enough.

It was the middle of the night when she finally touched down in front of the Archium. To her surprise, Wrecker was waiting for her under the weeping maya. He looked exhausted when he came to greet her, but he still gave her a tight hug.

“Good to have you back, Phee.” He rumbled. “Come on, he’ll want to see you.”

Phee hesitated. 

“I don’t want to bug him-” She started.

Wrecker gave a weak chuckle. He seemed so subdued.

“Nah, he’s been getting plenty of rest.” He said. “He specifically said to wake him up when you got here.”

“How is he, Wrecker?” Phee asked as they walked. “How is he really?”

Wrecker’s shoulders slumped.

“I dunno, Phee.” He said. “He’s hurt bad. He feels terrible ‘bout what he did; he can barely even look at Cross. But he’s here.”

Phee nodded. She didn’t know what to say. She felt she was still in a bit of shock.

They made their way to the small clinic that was Pabu’s closest thing to a medcenter. 

“Where are you all staying?” Phee asked, realizing with a jolt that their ship, their home, was gone.

“Omega’s staying with Lyana and Shep.” Wrecker said. “Us- well, we had to stay here for a day or two, and we’ve slept in worse places than the chairs they got.”

“Nope.” Phee said. “I get having someone with Tech, but I’m not having you boys sleep on chairs after all you’ve been through. I’ve got a couch back at my place, and I can sleep on my ship so my bed will be free.”

Wrecker paused at the door to the clinic, looking back at her.

“Thanks, Phee.” He said in a thick voice. “It’s- it’s been a rough coupla days.”

Phee patted him on the arm and he smiled.

The clinic's lights were dimmed, but one of the island’s two nurses, a middle aged Devaronian man who smiled at them when they came in, was sitting at the front desk. Phee noted that Crosshair was curled on one of the chairs, face buried in his arms. She also noticed the bandaged nub at the end of his right arm. 

“Hey, Raiz.” She said,  making herself not stare. “You’re here late.”

Raiz shrugged. “Got a lot of patients right now.” He said. “Your Tech’s in room three.”

Her Tech.

Phee moved as if in a dream. She didn’t quite remember getting to the door. It opened at her touch. Hunter’s back blocked her view of the bed. He looked back at her and gave a vague, tired smile. He got up and slipped out of the room.

Leaving Phee alone with Tech.

He was asleep, like she expected. He had deep shadows under his eyes, reminding her of Echo. His chest was wrapped in bacta, cybernetics glinted from his arms and sides, and he’d lost weight. His face was streaked with unfamiliar scars.

It didn’t seem like him. It was just a husk with his face.

Phee took a trembling step to his bedside. She reached out an equally shaking hand to touch his shoulder.

His eyes opened. He focused on her after a moment of confusion.

Phee let out a breath.

“There you are, Browneyes.”

“Phee.” He croaked. 

His voice was weak, trembling. She'd never heard it like this.

“I'm here.” Phee said. 

She slipped her hand against his. She didn’t know what to say. She held back from holding him, which she desperately wanted to do. 

“I-” He whispered. Phee leaned closer. “I did not run off with any pirates or smugglers.” 

It was then that Phee noticed that his pupils were blown wide, a clear sign that he was drugged to high heaven. A laugh she couldn't help burst from Phee. Tech's brow furrowed. 

“You were concerned I would.” He said. “During our last conversation, you specifically told me not to do so.”

Phee felt tears fill her eyes even as she smiled. 

“I did.” She said. She leaned forward, brushing her forehead against his and running her hand through his hair. “Thank you.”

To her surprise, he hesitantly pressed his forehead forward to meet hers. They stayed like that for a moment. 

“I- must tell you something.” He finally said. His breathing changed, becoming ragged. “Phee- I was the one to invade Pabu.”

Phee took his hand.

“I know.”

“I do not think you understand, as you are still being affectionate.” His voice was strained. “I ordered the burning of Pabu, the destruction of-”

“I know.” Phee said. 

She stopped stroking his head and instead pulled him closer.

“Then why are you still holding me?” He asked. 

“Do you want me to stop?” Phee asked. 

“No.” He was quick to reply. “But you should be disgusted and horrified by what I have done.”

Phee's heart broke at his tone of voice. It was clear to see that he was the one disgusted and horrified. 

“I am.” Phee said. “But by what the Empire has done, what they did to you.”

He was quiet, stiff in her arms.

“I do not deserve this.”

Phee pulled him closer.

“I don’t really care if you do or not.”

Tech began to shake and he turned his head to press into Phee’s shoulder. She felt warm tears soak into her shirt, though Tech made no noise. She rocked him back and forth.

“It’s all right.” She murmured. “You’re safe. You’re home. We’re here.”

Not quite the reunion she had dreamed of, but she would take it.

Honestly, not much to say here. Pretty straightforward. I did try a little bit of a different writing style thanks to a fantastic book I read recently. 

But I did it! I did the weekend, if not a little late. I’m looking forward to the next TechPhee event!

Thanks for reading!

Preach it!

A couple points of note before we venture into Bad Batch season 3 tomorrow...

Let us remember a few things before Bad Batch season 3 begins tomorrow.

It is NOT Dave Filoni that we "blame" for any emotional trauma. It is Jennifer Corbett and Brad Rau 😝 He may be one of the executive producers, but Filoni hasn't been involved in the writing of this show since the pilot, it's all Jennifer and Brad.

Our theories/headcanons are NOT canon! Which also means that if your theories don't pan out, it's NOT "bad writing". WE are not the tellers of this story, we are the receivers of it. We do not determine how this season is going to go. That is Jennifer, Brad and Lucasfilm. So don't get mad and pissy if certain theories don't happen or if things didn't go the way you thought they would. (Unless anyone dies, then you have every right to be mad 😝)

BE! PATIENT!! If we haven't seen certain characters in a while...be patient. They might show up in the next episode or two. You never know. If we haven't had certain questions answered yet...be patient. They'll most likely get answered in time. There are 16 episodes, so not everything is gonna happen at once. It's okay to wonder, but don't be getting mad that certain things haven't happened yet. We've got a couple months of this and it's gonna be a very long ride if you're not patient!

If things happen in the show that you don't agree with, but other people do, don't be rude about it. Either just keep scrolling and don't engage with discussions about those topics if you're not gonna be nice about them or just block the posts/people who talk about them. It's not that hard!

ACT YOUR AGE!! A good majority of us in this fandom are adults. ACT like adults and don't get pissy about things. Get as emotional as you want (cuz we all know it's inevitable), but still be mature about it all. Follow all of the above points and you should be fine. Don't be hateful, don't be rude, don't act like you're better than anyone, etc.

If anyone has other things they think the fandom needs reminding of before tomorrow, feel free to add them!

Otherwise...once more unto the breach, my friends 🥺 We're in for a long, emotional ride, so let's get through it together!

I know the finale has left us feeling things (and I one day might share my thoughts on them, but honestly staying off of most social media platforms around this time has been really good for my mental), so let's go back to an episode many of us loved: The Crossing. Here's an excellent analysis of the episode looking at it through the 'Tech is autistic' lens.