#omega bad batch save me...

[cercledespoetes]

GUYS . i need 5 more business days to recover

my girl .. wtf are they doing ☹️☹️

[collophora]

Fics rec of the week, and especially if you like well-written Wrecker, is the entire work of @electrikworm on AO3 In order:

The Batch have a terrible day

Human Shield

A peaceful moment

(But go read the others too)

[magicandmundane]

Something I really loved about the finale was Omega, Hunter, Wrecker, Crosshair, and Echo saving each other. It wasn’t just her saving the boys or vice versa, but all of them fighting for each other and the future they wanted.

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

TBB- 1 year later

I can't believe it's been a whole year since The Bad Batch concluded its final episode. I remember that day so vividly: my cousin came over, we had dinner, got late night snackies, and set our alarms for 2:55 am (EST and Star Wars don't mix folks). The anticipation was building and building and I couldn't stop thinking about whether or not Crosshair was gonna make it.

But in the end, we got a beautifully bittersweet ending for Clone Force 99, with the knowledge that all of them now have a chance to heal and rebuild their lives. It's not going to be easy, but they now have that chance.

The Bad Batch stands out for me amongst the three main animated shows because it's the one I got to see unfold from start to finish. I was young when Clone Wars first came out and I wasn't into Star Wars when Rebels started (I'm late to the party, I know). But I was there for TBB. TBB is a show whose themes and characters struck a deep chord with me. I see so much of myself in Omega and Crosshair.

Crosshair in particular will always stand out because of his journey. His redemption arc is my personal favorite in Star Wars because of how raw it is. He struggled so much and it took a combined effort from his side and then Omega to help him come home. And you know what? He did come home. He found it and I couldn't be more proud of him.That internal struggle he went through is something I really relate to (for different reasons). I love Crosshair so, so much and I am so thankful for TBB and how the team chose to write his story (even if I would've added certain things).

And the themes of family that TBB radiated is another thing that will always stick with me. Clone Force 99 are a family. They've been through many trials and have faced losses (Tech 😭), but they're still here, forged by their bond. Omega held them together when everything seemed to be falling around them.

Ultimately, TBB came at a time when I needed it the most. I started and ended a big chapter of my life with Clone Force 99. I've learned a lot about myself through them, made new friends because of them, and I know I will cherish the memories I've made watching this show. TBB might just be a show, but it still means so much to me a year later. It is 100% perfect? No, and I think all of us know the flaws. But is it something that will live on in our hearts? To that, I can say 100% yes.

Hunter, Tech, Wrecker, Crosshair, Echo, and Omega have all taught us so much and our little community wouldn't be the same without any of them. Thank you TBB, for everything ❤️

[bberry005]

one day, long after the fight against the empire is over and they're building the new republic, someone is going to come across files on all the top secret imperial projects.

one day some analyst is going to open a heavily encrypted file called "mount tantiss" and learn that palpatine could've ruled over them forever. they will read that little sentence at the bottom of the report that says "facility decomissioned. funding redistributed to project stardust"

one day, omega will learn they uncovered the files on what mount tantiss really was. she'll smile to herself because everyone breathed a sigh of relief when they heard the projects in this facility were stopped "for unknown reasons", but she'll know it was her, a handful of other children, and a brave group of clones who stood up and fought and destroyed mount tantiss from the inside. she'll know that the only reason they're not facing an immortal emporer and an army of cx troopers right now is because of her people, a people that even in the new republic are constantly brushed under the rug and despised despite all good they've done. but for all that injustice, something in her is healed after truly knowing that it was HER people who stopped palpatine from ruling the galaxy forever. it doesn't end all that her people have suffered at the hands of the galaxy, but it's a start.

and on that day, hera will smile at her because she knows too, because how couldn't she? her and omega are basically sisters by now. rex will place a hand on omega's shoulder and tell her that she did good. she'll seek out emerie and tell her that they did it, that all of that research really is gone, that everything hemlock and nala se did to them was really, truly destroyed. she'll brush her fingers over tech's glasses and whisper that they made it.

she'll call her family on pabu and tell them and some forgotten weight will finally be lifted. they have confirmation now that hemlock didn't win. they're well and truly at ease now, a worry they've subconsiously felt for so long finally gone.

the day is a quiet day of celebration for a small group of people in the grand scheme of the galaxy, because no matter what happens next, they know that they made it. who cares if we, the people who watch star wars, know that project necromancer succeeds in the end? it doesn't matter. just the sheer relief that all of these characters felt knowing that they actually did it outweighs all of that. the few remaining clones in the galaxy know that they really are free. no more wars, no more experiments, no more constantly looking over their shoulders wondering if someone has come to take them back to a lab or kill them in cold blood for what they did to the jedi.

they know and they are finally free and that is enough. maybe no one else will remember the squad that destroyed mount tantiss, but they certainly will. there's even a holiday for it on pabu, celebrated for decades after anyone still remembers what it means.

because on the day tantiss was destroyed, for the first time ever, the clones really are free. and THAT means more than anything.

[ineffablejaymee]

fuck i just remembered NONE OF THE BAD BATCH HAVE PLOT ARMOUR

goddamnit we are getting our hearts ripped out and stomped on arent we

[domino-twinss]

Save Me by Noah Kahan is soooo Omega and Crosshair coded

[weregonnabecoolbeans]

The Bad Batch Finale Spoilers Below

You have been warned!

Part 5/? of my The Bad Batch series finale thoughts

Final warning! If you care about spoilers for the series finale of the bad batch...Scroll away!!

The last showdown with hemlock had me on the edge of my seat, holy shit.

I kept thinking about Jennifer's plan 99 tease and I genuinely though Omega might sacrifice herself there.

Hemlock's defeat was wonderful. I cheered.

I teared up a lot when Crosshair made his shot, and bawled when Omega hugged him.

[tangents-within-tangents]

Echo canonically being sentimental (and a sweetheart)

With his armor, there's also the "For Hevy" memorial, the fact he kept Rex's handprint, and that he put the Bad Batch skull on his armor before he even joined them

Echo holding 99 as he died has always stuck out to me as one of the saddest/sweetest things in TCW (especially since the show rarely actually shows clones mourning/expressing much emotion)

I also noticed that Echo is often the one to mention his brothers by name, and make sure they're remembered. And of course his entire thing about saving his brothers and leaving no one behind. (Also that he turned the call signs into this like nickname/inside joke thing with Omega is so adorable to me ahh)

--

And then there's whatever this is:

Not even a reaction to the name (and we know they are good at implying expression under those helmets)! I know this is old news but it bears saying lol. They had the perfect opportunity here to not only address Echo's loss, but also to honor Fives and the sacrifice he made to discover the chips. A sacrifice which saved Ahsoka, Rex, and now the Bad Batch. This is obviously not the first time Echo and Rex talked about Fives, he knows he's dead (I firmly believe he would not have left the 501st if Fives was still alive), but come on! This did the bare minimum to check the box of 'mention Fives.' How about you cut Wrecker getting attacked by a sarlacc or whatever and give that screen time to show us an actual conversation?

Like I found this bit in an interview:

While the conversation obviously never happened onscreen, Corbett says that doesn't mean it never happened, suggesting the two talked offscreen, saying "For Fives, I imagine that Rex and Echo had that conversation after he was rescued off of Skako Minor, and I know in Season 1 we did have Rex reference Fives on Bracca," adding "So, in my headcanon, they've had many conversations about Fives."

And I'm just like... Jennifer! You don't have to have headcanons, you are literally the writer! Show us!!

(Also he should have gotten his handprint again no I will never let this go)

[tangents-within-tangents]

Hunter is protect at all costs, Echo is teach her how to protect herself

And I wouldn't necessarily say that one is better than the other... but how many times does Omega end up in trouble/captured (bc Hunter was unable to protect her) and she has to get herself out of it? Just saying

I always loved that Echo is the one teaching her how to shoot here. I can see Hunter probably being hesitant and worried about her using a dangerous weapon, whereas Echo knows they just have to teach her how to use it safely. And I love that he encourages her, rather than being like 'maybe she should start with a simple blaster' he's like 'no she found this cool bow and she wants to use it so I'll help her.' (And then he gives her the energy crossbow later ❤❤❤)

Echo trusts her capabilities and helps her when she needs it, the same way he would with anyone else. And the "Hunter, you have to tell her" when they find out why the bounty hunters are after her, bc she deserves to know and it's safer for her to know.

Hunter gives her reassurance and the big promises of protection ("you don't have to worry" "you're stuck with us" etc). He's also constantly trying to keep her off missions and telling her to stay back. Which is fair, especially when there are dangerous people after her all the time, but even by season 3 she's still arguing "I'm a part of this squad too!" long after she's proven herself.

I think the difference is especially evident in "The Crossing" after Echo leaves. Omega is all upset and missing him, but she gets testy with Hunter specifically when tells her to be careful. Like maybe his protectiveness tips over into frustrating and patronizing when she doesn't have Echo there to balance it out

And yeah, I love that in the finale Echo has no doubts or hesitation about bringing her to to rescue the batch when you KNOW Hunter would have told her to get on the ship with Emerie

Side note: from a writing stand point, this is exactly how you handle middle grade age characters (for a middle grade audience at least, idk what they were going for with this show exactly since we all watch it lol but it is rated TV-PG so?). I know a lot of people think it's weird or unrealistic that they bring a kid along on all these dangerous missions and stuff, but the main thing with writing middle grade is that the kids solve their own problems, the adults don't just swoop in and do it for them (think Percy Jackson, Series of Unfortunate Events, Atla, etc).

I think the show actually did a really good job of balancing when Omega takes care of herself vs when she gets help (like how she escapes Cade Bane on her own up until the batch gets her from the escape pod, and how she doesn't sit around and wait to be rescued from Tantiss but she is using skills and training that came from her brothers). And by having these two 'parenting' approaches maybe we achieve that while also voicing the logical side of wanting to keep the kids safe

There are two types of parents (broadly speaking).

Allow me to illustrate.

Scenario: Omega finds her brothers have been captured by slavers in "Rampage"

Hunter: silently shakes his head at her, waves her away, wants her to keep out of sight

Echo: "YOU KNOW WHAT WOULD BE REALLY HELPFUL RIGHT NOW? OUR GEAR. HINT HINT."

[amorfista]

"Dads at the beach"

The Dad Batch (and Omega) deserve a day of blissful relaxation, I don't think there's anyone out there who wouldn't agree!

While Tech is taking the best nap of his life [Part 1], Omega and Wrecker joined efforts to make the coolest sand-Tipoca city [Part 2] there is out there!

But their mischief did not go unnoticed, and the Dads of the Bad Batch, who were trying to enjoy their drinks and straight up chillax, are having a bit of a hard time doing so with all of Omega's giggles and Wrecker's barely contained laughter!

-"The kriff are these devils up to now...?" - Echo says as he takes a sip of his piña colada.

-"I'll do you one better... How the kark is Tech sleeping through that..?" - Hunter mutters in disbelief.

...TO BE CONTINUED! [Part 4]

Alright... this one took a while. I'm very sorry for the huge delay on this drawing but... some parts of it made me lose my sanity :). I hope you can catch all the small details I laid here and there. Echo's shirt covers his Fives tattoo, which is a bit sad, but that's okay because there's another version ^^:

There, that's better🥴❤️‍🔥

This project has been quite difficult and I have a lot of things that I'm not too proud about. I suck at backgrounds and I definitely am NOT GOOD at making a line of palm trees :') The characters aren't that well incorporated in the drawing, I would have liked to make more fun little things here and there (which I'll save for future drawings) and the colors, well, let's just say I can smell them now. I don't know what's right and what's wrong anymore ;V; so sorry in advance </3. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND SUPPORT!!! Although this is a challenging project, I'm VERY happy to see myself improving little by little, and your encouragement helps me push through ANYTHING!! I'll do my best again in the next one!! 💕💕

TAGLIST (let me know if you want to be included too!) @dukeoftheblackstar @justalittletomato @darthmaulshispanichousewife @botherbother-blog @aftergloom @badolmen @ihaventpickedausername @ohboi @stardustbee @nik-barinova @the-chains-are-the-easy-part @gen-has-green-vibes @ejfivercommander @herbalinz-of-yesteryear @eyecandyeoz @noesqape @lune-de-miel-au-paradis @staycalmandhugaclone @callmesunny04 @freesia-writes @ginnymilling @sunshinesdaydream @blueink-bluesoul @cloneloverrrrr @moon-wrecked @idontgetanysleep @tech-aficionado @followthepurrgil @renton6echo @queenjiru @shoe-bag

[clonetrooperjournals]

Color Blind

Summary : You've been the newest member of the batch batch since they saved you from slavery a year ago. You've been keeping a secret about your sight from the boys but what happens when Tech, the genius clone and your crush finds out? Pairings : Tech x Fem!reader Warnings : angst, self doubt, talks of slavery, talks of abuse due to slavery, color blind reader, fluff, cute fluffy ending, Tech being adorable Words : 2.8k A/N : Okay. THIS. is my favourite fic I've ever written OMG! I hope you all love it because.... aahhh! We do love our boy Tech in this journal! masterlist here

“You know I think if you told Tech he could probably make you something to help you see,” Omega says cheerfully as you sit on the edge of the Marauder looking out at the night sky, “He is the best at that kind of stuff.” 

You giggle, “I know he is... but you all have done so much for me already. I won’t ask for more.” 

Omega turns to you putting her hand on top of yours, “You’re allowed to ask us for things. Were family.” 

You can’t help but smile a bright smile at that word, “I never thought I would have a family. That alone gives me all the happiness I could ever want. I don’t need to ask for more.” 

“Well just think about it. I see how you watch the sunset with a sad smile...”  

You hold her hand tightly, “I’ll think about it.” 

A year ago, if you were to ask what you thought your life would be like you would have said that you were going to die a slave and there was nothing else to it. Then the Bad Batch showed up on your planet and after you risked your life to help them, they freed you from your master and took you with them. You had nowhere to go, no family to find and no credits to start your new life so the Batch offered for you to stay with them in exchange for helping with Omega, and you’ve been with them ever since.  

You have felt since that first day that asking for anything makes you a burden. You know the boys would never see it that way and have scolded you a few times for not speaking up about when you need something but your fear that they’ll regret saving you always stops you. Your master was a wealthy man who always made sure you had everything you needed aside from free will and food. You were always dressed in silk and gold jewelry, for a slave you could have had a worse master, and you were always grateful that it wasn’t the case. You told yourself that so long as you see something to be grateful for you can never complain about what you don’t have, so when Omega learned of your little secret, she’s been pushing you to speak up about it.  

When you were born, you were born color blind. All your life you have seen nothing but grey, black and white, and you’ve never complained. When you were sold into slavery you were repeatedly beaten when you brought the wrong thing because you couldn’t tell the color, it was then that your master figured if you couldn’t be useful in menial tasks then you would be a decoration, something to look at, something to be admired. You haven’t told the boys about your color blindness because it’s never been relevant, you have lived your whole life without seeing color, and so far, it hasn’t been a problem. Omega only learned of it when Hunter gave you two some credits to go get her some new clothes and she asked for your opinion, to which you couldn’t give a truthful answer.   

Hunter comes up behind you two with a small smile, “Time for bed Omega.” 

“Alright,” she yawns dramatically and then whispers to you, “Good night y/n. Think about talking to Tech.” She then gets up and heads inside and Hunter takes her place beside you. 

“Something you wanna talk about?” he asks quietly.  

You look out to the night sky at all the twinkling stars above you, “Your enhanced senses should not be used for eavesdropping.” 

He chuckles, “Can’t help it most of the time. Why haven’t you said anything?” 

“I have lived my whole life without ever seeing color. I can still do everything I have always done, it does not affect me. Are there times I wish I could see the color of a flower? Or the setting sun? Of course, but that's a luxury and as you have said we cannot afford luxuries.” 

Hunter sighs, “Tech could probably build you something out of what we already have...” 

You turn and put your hand on Hunters shoulder, smiling at him, “Hunter. I’m alright. Besides Tech still can’t even have a conversation with me. I’m not gonna make him uncomfortable for nothing.” 

“It’s not for the reason you think,” Hunter says laughing quietly, “You make him nervous.” 

“Nervous?” you question him leaning closer, “why would he be nervous?” 

“He’s not used to being around a beautiful woman all the time,” Hunter says patting your hand with a smirk, “just think about what we said okay?”  

Your cheeks burn and you look down, “Okay...” 

... 

Currently sat in the sand, data pad in his face like normal Tech was researching the flower and fauna of the tropical planet you were all on. You and Omega were walking along the beach picking seashells with bright smiles and even though he was trying not to, Tech could not help but stare. You were wearing a long green skirt and matching tight top, your hair was braided down your back like normal, long enough now that it was almost touching your bum and the sunlight was making your brown skin shine like you were a deity, he has never seen someone so beautiful in his whole life. For that reason, he has the hardest time trying to converse with you and usually ends up a flustered mess that leaves the room the moment you enter it.   

He’s never thought about relationships or being with someone but since you came aboard the Marauder a year ago the thought has been repeatedly on his mind. He sees how good you are with his brothers and Omega, how you are always willing to learn, always willing to help no questions asked. You are the most selfless, generous, kind and caring person he’s ever met and someone that he could see himself with for the rest of his life, if only he could man up and have a conversation with you.  

“Tech! Help!” You yell from the west side of the beach, you and Omega surrounded by Aggrocrabs. Your blaster was drawn, and Omega was shooting arrows off, but the crabs were increasing in number.  

Tech jumps up and runs full force toward the Marauder, jumping in and starting it up flying it over to your location. He hovers above you and Omega as you both continue to shoot down the crabs and he throws down a cable, “Grab hold!” 

You toss Omega up toward the cable first and then you jump off a crab and grab the end of the cable as Tech flies the ship away from the hoard of crabs and toward the rest of the clone's location for a pickup. You and Omega climb the cable and roll into the ship.  

“That was so cool! Those crabs were HUGE! y/n did you see my one shot through the crabs- Oh your hurt!” Omega gasps.  

Tech whips his head back and sees you clutching your arm tightly as your blood pools over your hand and you smile weakly, “I’ll be alright. Just get the boys.” 

Omega runs and grabs the first aid kit while the rest of the batch make their way up and onto the ship with the loot. Hunter drops into the copilot chair telling Tech to go and then all of you take off for space. Once in space Tech sets the course for Ord Mantell and causally but not unnoticed by Hunter keeps looking back at you and Omega.  

“Tech,” Hunter puts his hand on his shoulder, “you should go and treat y/n. Me and Echo will pilot back to Cid’s.” 

“Right. Right. Yes.”  

Echo chuckles from the side, “and Tech? Try to say more than two words to the poor girl. She thinks you don’t like her.” 

Tech gets up hesitantly and mumbles to himself, “it’s quite the opposite...” 

Slowly Tech walks to the back of the ship where Omega is cleaning your wound gently and he looks down avoiding your gaze, “Omega I can continue treatment. You should go and assist the others up front.” 

Omega looks up at Techs blushing cheeks and her eyes go wide as she figures out what he means, “Oh! Yes. I’ll go and read the ships manual... again...” 

You giggle at the two of them your cheeks slightly burning as Tech crouches down in front of you looking over your wound, “Omega did a sufficient job in cleaning the wound so I will just stitch it up and you’ll be free to go.” 

You nod at him as he grabs the needle and thread from the first aid kit with shaky hands, “if you could grab the blue bottle of sanitizer, I would like to clean the wound once more...” 

You freeze and stare at the first aid kit beside you, there’s three different bottles all the same but of course different colors that you can’t see. Tech notices your hesitation as you look at the first aid kit, “Is something wrong?” 

“U-Ummm, no. No, it’s alright.” you say grabbing the darkest bottle from the kit assuming that it was blue, but Tech just looks at you confused.  

“This is not the sanitizer, the bottle is clearly red. Can you not tell the difference?” he asks.  

Your eyes widen as you look into his worried ones and you look down sadly, “N-No I... can’t.” 

“Your injury doesn’t suggest temporary blindness, but I can run several tests and scans to see if there is an underlying cause from the-”  

Slowly you put your hand on Techs shoulder, giving him a small smile, “Tech. It’s not that. I’m... color blind.” 

You and Tech sit there for a moment your hand on his shoulder, cheeks burning brightly as he slowly leans closer to you, mere inches apart as he looks into your eyes more clearly, “was it a birth defect or something that developed in a later period?” 

“I have only ever seen the world as grey, black and white...” you whisper.  

Tech clears his throat and backs away from you suddenly realizing how close he was, his cheeks a bright red you can’t see, “I see. It is quite fascinating.” 

“Fascinating?” you ask as Tech grabs the correct bottle and sanitizes your arm once again then begins to stitch you up.  

“Yes. Seeing the world in a monochromatic way is quite fascinating. How do you differentiate between things if you cannot see based off their primary color? Can you differentiate based on the shade of grey that you see? When someone asks you about a color how do you see it? I will have to research the cause of this it is quite an interesting study...” he rambles to himself as he finished your arm gently placing a bandage over the stitched wound.  

You giggle at the genius, “I would be happy to answer any questions you have Tech.” He looks up at you from his crouch on the ground, his goggles shine off the faint lightbulb in the back of the ship. You look over him slowly never having been this close to him or been in the same room as him this long and admire the man in front of you. His hair is light, and he has speckles of freckles along his cheeks if you look close enough. His armor is white with some paint down the front, a bright color you can tell by the way it pops against the white, and his eyes... not quite dark, not quite light. Maker how you would love to know what his eyes look like as they sparkle in front of you.  

“Tech?” you reach out and gently touch his cheek, “Thank you for treating my arm.” 

He stands abruptly, his heart hammering in his chest and looks anywhere but at you, “You are welcome... excuse me.” He then heads back to the cockpit leaving you sitting there confused and embarrassed.  

... 

Since that day Tech has been putting more of an effort to speak with you, though he typically asks you questions related to your color blindness or runs tests and scans on your eyes, all for his study. You don’t mind really, it’s been nice to be able to just sit with the man you’ve had a crush on for months and let him talk. You've always loved the way he can talk about anything and everything, always curious, always learning, he truly is a marvelous man.  

One night Wrecker had taken Omega out for a not-so-secret Mantel mix run, while Echo and Hunter were at Cid’s and you were cleaning the ship as Tech sat in the cockpit working on something. You were in your own little world of cleaning not really paying attention when Tech appeared behind you and tapped your shoulder.  

“Oh! Did you need something?” you ask with a warm smile.  

Tech briefly smiles back, “Yes. Could you accompany me while I run a quick errand?”  

“Oh um... Sure!” you say excitedly. Tech has never asked you to go anywhere with him before so you are surprised but happy that he’s now comfortable enough around you that he can ask. You follow him out of the ship and together the two of you head into town, you are following behind him as he leads you to an abandoned building on the outskirts of the city.  

You look around confused as he begins to climb the stairs up to the roof, “Where are we going Tech?” 

“You’ll see in a moment.” He responds as you both climb up to the roof. Once on the roof Tech stops and looks at you his heart hammering in his chest. You looked so incredible with the sunset behind you painting you in a wash of oranges and pinks, maker he really is in love with you.  

“What’s going on? There’s nothing up here.” You ask him confused. You see him fumbling with a small box that you didn’t notice he was holding. He looked nervous but then he sighs and looks at you, really looks, making you freeze on the spot. 

He steps towards you and grabs your arms hesitantly, “y/n... I... I made something for you.” 

He trails his hands down your arms till he grabs your hands, gently putting the small box in them, “What? You made me something?” 

He nods and you hesitantly open the box with a gasp, “Tech... are these?” 

“Try them on. I took your measurements so they should fit you perfectly but if there’s an issue then I can-” 

“I-I can’t... I can’t accept these.” you stutter overwhelmed as you look at the pair of glasses sitting in the small box you're holding. Tech takes them out of the box, and you close your eyes as you feel him gently place them on your face.  

You keep your eyes closed afraid to open them, but Tech puts his hands on your cheeks, “Open your eyes darling.” 

Hesitantly you open your eyes, and you immediately start crying. Around you is an explosion of vibrant colors you’ve never experienced. Your eyes flicker over Techs face as his hands still hold your cheeks keeping you in place. His armor is white and a bright painted color just like you thought, his hair is sandy, and his eyes... his eyes sparkle under his goggles a warm color you can only describe as home.  

“You’re so beautiful.” you sniffle as the tears continue to fall down your cheeks onto his hands. 

He chuckles, “No my dear. You are the beautiful one. I... have always thought you to be, which is why I couldn’t utter more than two words since we met.” He leans closer to you his face now inches away from yours, “I am not... good with feelings but, you could say my world has become new and vibrant since you became a part of it. And I wanted you to experience how I see you I... I love you y/n.” 

You reach forward grabbing his neck and slam your lips onto his. He hesitates for a second and then he kisses you back slowly getting more passionate as the kiss continues. After a while you pull away and gently put your hand to his cheek, “I love you too Tech.” 

His cheeks go bright red, and you smile brightly as you see it for the first time. He turns you around and wraps his arms around your waist as you both look out at the sunset, your first sunset. The tears continue to fall down your cheeks as you stare at the sky watching the colors change and fade, “It is so beautiful...” 

Tech who was completely ignoring the sky watching his beloved, replies simply, “yes, it is.”  

dividers by @saradika-graphics

[umbramoons]

TECH MOMENTS PT. 9

The Bad Batch S1 E5: Rampage

I am so sorry I forgot to make a post last week! It was finals week for me, so I was focused on a lot of other things.

- He’s holding Omega’s wrist so gently.

- “Technically, it was Crosshair’s, but… he doesn’t appear to need it.” Everything about his face and his voice shows how sad he is. He just misses his brother (his favorite brother, I think.) ❤

- HE SMILES AT HER PLAYING WITH THE COMMS (Which she did the second he expressed sadness about Crosshair, and she immediately smiled at him when Echo tells her to stop. There is a playful aspect to their relationship that is often overlooked). 

- “The Jedi who are all dead?”

- “Charming.” I’m in love. ❤

- “That would have been information to share earlier.” You’re one to talk.

- “Well, perhaps Cid heard what happened to the Jedi, and fled. Or he was arrested for violating countless health code regulations.” ❤

- He’s not even paying attention to Cid, he’s just fascinated by her collection.

- Sitting relaxed in a chair with one leg crossed over his knee. He looks so comfy.

- His firm nod when Echo’s describing slavery. ❤

- Echo: “And we are gonna stop it from happening to that kid.”

Tech: “As well as earn a decent amount of credits once the job is complete.”

- That concerned look he shoots Echo's way when he seems uneasy about taking this job.

- Tech leading the way through the ruins, as he should. ❤

- “Save your energy. We are going to need it.” ❤

- I could say this over and over again, but he really does just have the most gorgeous eyes. ❤

- After Hunter, Tech is the first person Omega tries to contact for help. They’ve become closer over the last few episodes, as exemplified by their playfulness with the comms earlier.

- Once again, he’s the first to notice Omega nearby. “We won’t need a comm to signal her.” ❤

- That glare he’s giving the Zygerrian sizing them up could start fires.

- Immediately translating for the slaves.

- Echo: “How long’s he been at this?”

Tech: “Too long. He’s losing his touch.” 

[ecmlol]

So I had a long conversation with someone about wrecker and why he isn't seen as a father figure as much as hunter is. And I don't know why it took me so long to notice it . I have always believed that wrecker is the closest thing omega has to a father figure. But hunter is giving all the credit in the fandom. It's the same as when a father does the bare minimum and people shower them with All the praise and mother's with nothing. Wrecker acts more maternal in a traditional way than any other batcher does. You might think I'm off my rocker with this but hear me out. Think about the traditional mother figure ? They are more physical ,normally emotionally, sentimental, and detailed oriented. Wrecker is the most hands on bad batcher than anyone else. He knew she needed space so he found a way to provide it for her with a privacy curtain and everything. Next he provided her with his doll. He didn't have to but he knew she needed a toy. Through his own love for food they started a tradition and they bonded over mantel mix . It's like a little special thing only they did together .it made her feel special. I put money wreck was the one that saved all of crosshairs stuff for sentimental value . I'm sure they still have all of techs things too. It's like the baby books a lot of moms want to do . I'm sure there are sentimental dads to but when most people think they think in hetero normative terms it goes to mothers. You can't forget that he was teaching her about bombs and tech was teaching her about ships and flying . What has hunter really done beside being the stand offish father that worries about your physical safety. Wrecker was even the first to greet her after omega return.if it wasn't for omega I think wrecker is the glue to the bad batch.

Side bar when wrecker hugged both crosshair and hunter at the same time if was giving mama bear vibes just saying..

[archivewriter1ont]

Unveiling the Saved at the Citadel: Fives Lives And Joins the Batch AU

I have been working on this in my brain for a WHILE and I'm so happy to finally share it! The plan is to begin posting a few fics in this AU during May (following the Months of the Bad Batch, Fives May, as that would be 5555-05).

There are many, many, many details I can't wait to explore in some more in-depth writing but here is the bullet-pointed gist of the AU ⬇️⬇️

Intro to the Saved at the Citadel AU

Instead of the heartbreaking mess that was the ending of the Citadel arc, we see the welcome arrival of Rex and Company's unexpected rescuers -- the Bad Batch! Clone Force 99 was on a separate mission in nearby space and received a broken-up distress call from the party on Lola Sayu. The batchers realize that it's Big Brother Cody and some dude named Rex, Big Bro's other favorite brother, and show up with a shock-and-awe response that would make the trigger-happy Alpha-17 beam with pride.

Echo is not presumed dead at the Citadel or taken to Skakko and Fives does not have his chip arc or die.

The Domino ARC Twins and Rex are sent immediately on a different mission with the Batchers, destination unknown, after a specific target. During the assignment, Rex comes to respect the Batchers just as he did in their TCW arc, and the Dominos find themselves becoming attached to these four defects who are simultaneously rough around the edges and extremely welcoming.

After everything is said and done, Echo and Fives decide to transfer to the Bad Batch. Rex lets them go, just as he did with Echo in Unfinished Business, and continues to check in regularly.

The newly expanded Bad Batch goes on a variety of exciting adventures as a six-man squad, becoming an even more deadly machine as the twins integrate into their new family. On a return trip to Kamino, Tech comes across some strange rumors of a clone who lost it on the battlefield and was transferred back to their home planet for evaluation. Fives volunteers to snoop around with the genius once they get planet side, and that's how the Batch finds out about the inhibitor chips.

While Tech and Fives are rescuing Tup and gathering evidence to take before the Jedi and the Senate regarding the chips (because while the Batch may be wary, the twins know a few Jedi and politicians who will not be happy about this info) Hunter and the others are trying to cover for them...and stumble across a blonde-haired little lab assistant who calls them by their names.

With Tup and Omega in tow, the Batch heads to Coruscant to inform the Jedi and confront the Senate. Secrets are revealed, from the origins of the Clone Wars to Anidala to the existence of a Second Sith, and new allies must be found, made, or blackmailed to uncover the entire, widespread plot to overthrow the Republic.

The Batch calls up all their favors and old contacts, including Fox, Quinlan, and even a certain lady pirate that Tech and Echo accidentally met on a recent undercover mission (and a rather annoying Weequay they wish they didn't know at all) to help pull off the counter-overthrow.

The Jedi gladly go along with the scheme and confront the Senate. In the madness, Hunter ends up just a little too close to the Chancellor and...

Hunter: "Cody...is the Chancellor a Jedi?" Cody: "No." Hunter: "Ok then he's the Sith." Cody: "What?" Hunter: "Unless the Jedi just give out those laser swords like party favors." Obi-Wan: "How exactly do you know that he has one?" Hunter: "Felt it. All your sabers give off a weird EM pulse. They're different flavors but they all make me want to sneeze."

Now all the Jedi are royally pissed -- 1. that they didn't see this before and 2. that all the suffering brought by the war has happened due to Palpatine's greed. It doesn't take very long for every available Jedi in the system to converge at the Temple to help take down the Chancellor.

But they end up just being the decoy squad. As Mace Windu and Yoda cause a distraction by confronting Palps directly, sabers drawn, Crosshair uses a slugthrower to snipe the Chancellor through a window. He wishes he could undo this as he is forevermore dubbed by Fives "The Mighty SithSlayer."

The Jedi hide the Batch in the Temple for a few days until they can set the record straight to the public, giving the six saviors of the Galaxy plenty of time to rest after their crazy saving-the-universe ordeal and play with the younglings who are ecstatic to meet real-life heroes. This also gives Tech and Echo time to go over the records from Kamino and find the location of a certain Mount Tantiss, where a certain Hemlock was centralizing medical equipment and personnel for Project Necromancer and other unsavory programs.

Phee decides that after all the ruckus on Coruscant, Tech needs an extended vacation on this really nice, beachy planet she knows about. She graciously allows the other five to tag along with their newly discovered baby (older?) sister.

Tantiss is taken over by the GAR, with CF99 spearheading the operation as the special forces group. Emerie is brought over to the good guys, and she, Tech, and a myriad of scientists from across the stars use the on-world base to house their genetic research operation. Within months, after dedicated research and help from Nala Se, who was given a generous plea deal in return for her assistance, every clone trooper is given the gene therapy required to halt their accelerated aging.

Everyone lives happily ever after on Pabu and elsewhere, including Mayday. Fives becomes the island storyteller and immortalizes the Batch escapades through that.

I have so many fics I want to write for this AU it would boggle your mind. Seriously...it is not even funny.

[miss-musings]

"You Weren't Loyal To Me": How Crosshair's Brothers Absolutely Failed Him in "The Bad Batch" Season 1

I know I'm not the first person to make these arguments, but after recently rewatching "The Bad Batch" Season 1, I feel compelled to play Devil's Advocate and assert that Crosshair's brothers absolutely failed him in Season 1.

Now, don't mistake me. I don't believe Crosshair was 100% in the right. Once he regained his free will -- whether he actually removed his inhibitor chip, or whether his injury on Bracca deactivated it or lessened its impacts -- he definitely should've left the Empire the first chance he had.

I imagine he was trying to make the best of a bad situation, but I don't see why he would stay with an organization hijacked his mind and ordered him to kill his family, civilians and other people who were trying to do the right thing.

But, I don't think his brothers -- I'm excluding Omega because she's a child and was following everyone else's lead -- are 100% in the right either.

I believe Crosshair's brothers basically abandoned him.

CROSSHAIR'S GREAT INSECURITY?

Now, I understand that they didn't initially plan to abandon Crosshair. But, once they knew he was being mind-controlled and especially once they knew how to undo its effects, they never even considered going back for him.

We never see them debate trying to save Crosshair. They don't discuss whether it's feasible, whether it's worth the risk, how they would even attempt it, etc.

I think this was a much-needed moment that we never get to see. In fact, as others have pointed out, we don't really get much discussion about Crosshair at all.

He's their brother. He's been by their side from infancy through their time as cadets through dozens of missions. Why aren't they more upset about him turning against them? Or being mind-controlled by the Empire?

They seem so blasé about it. Like it's more of an inconvenience than a tragedy, especially by 1.12 "Rescue on Ryloth." Like "Ope, Crosshair's here. I bet he's gonna try to kill us again."

As I'll discuss more later, Hunter gets captured on Daro, and Omega loses her frickin' mind. Even Echo, Wrecker and Tech seemed distressed too, even if the show didn't focus on their reactions as much.

But, Crosshair's mind and body get hijacked by the Empire, and nobody seems to give a shit.

No wonder why Crosshair felt so betrayed and said everything he does in 1.15 and 1.16. It probably confirmed something he always felt, or always feared:

That he was the odd man out in his squad -- the last to be included and the first to be excluded.

That they never cared about him as much as he cared about them.

Based on experiences in my own life, with friends and coworkers, I do wonder if Crosshair was always insecure about his standing within the group. This makes sense given that he's likely the youngest of the four original brothers, and that as a sniper, he isn't always in the middle of the action like they are. His personality doesn't really help either, but his brothers seem to be able to navigate it just fine in their "The Clone Wars" Season 7 arc.

Maybe this is partly why he seemed OK with Echo joining the squad at the end of TCW arc: because he felt like Echo would become the new 'odd man' considering that he didn't grow up with the Bad Batch and wouldn't know Crosshair's brothers like he does.

It's been a while since I watched TCW Season 7, so maybe I'm wrong.

But, I definitely think this is partly why he resents Omega so much in Season 1:

The Bad Batch -- mainly Hunter -- decided to risk their lives and their freedom to go back to Kamino for Omega. She might've been their "little sister," but they'd known her all of one day and Hunter still decided it was worth going back for her.

Yet they never went back for him.

Hell, as far as we the audience know, they never even considered it.

I'm not saying it would have been easy or risk-free. They also now have Omega in their care, and trying to extract Crosshair from Imperial custody while all parties involved would be trying to kill or capture them isn't an easy undertaking.

But, as I'll talk about more later, these guys do rescue and extraction missions all the time. They put their lives on the line for complete strangers several times in Season 1 to save them from Imperial custody, slavery, etc.

And I'm not saying they were wrong to do those things. It was objectively good that the Bad Batch saved the people they did.

But, I can absolutely understand why Crosshair would be infuriated that his brothers take on all these missions to help complete strangers but never bother to help him...

ANALYZING THE BATCH'S DECISIONS BASED ON THE SEASON 1 TIMELINE

I understand that, before he confronts them in the hangar in 1.01 "Aftermath," that they were planning to go back for him. And that they were forced to leave him behind because he was literally gunning for them. And -- as far as his brothers knew -- he was doing it of his own free will.

However, in 1.02 "Cut and Run," Omega tells them about the inhibitor chips, implying that that's how Crosshair is being controlled.

Then in 1.03 "The Replacements," we see that Tech is building a device to locate their inhibitor chips, and Omega tries to tell the Batch and specifically emphasizes to Hunter that Crosshair has no control over his actions. Hunter admits that he's angry at himself for leaving Crosshair behind, and Omega reassures him that they'll get him back someday.

So, it seems like -- at least in Omega's eyes -- the Batch was planning to save Crosshair at some point. And, Hunter at minimum feels guilty for leaving Crosshair on Kamino, even though they didn't really have much of a choice at the time.

However, the Batch gets sidetracked in 1.04 and 1.05. First, they need supplies; then bounty hunters are after Omega; then they need intel on who's after her and why.

Then, by the events of 1.07 "Battle Scars," we see that they've fallen into a routine of doing jobs for Cid. It's safe to assume they've done -- or at least attempted -- a dozen jobs for her at this point, based on Wrecker and Omega's 20 orders of Mantell Mix.

And then Rex shows up and tells them point-blank that the clones can't fight the inhibitor chip's effects, re-emphasizing Omega's earlier point that Crosshair had no control over his actions.

The Batch then experiences this firsthand with Wrecker, whose chip activates before they can extract it. We see that, even with Wrecker fighting the chip's effects with all his might, he endangers his brothers and was *this* close to killing Omega, before Rex stunned him.

Now, we have confirmation based on both Rex and Wrecker's experiences that removing an active chip restores a clone's free will.

Thus, by the end of 1.07 "Battle Scars," the Batch definitively knows:

Crosshair is being controlled by an inhibitor chip and is being forced to do the Empire's bidding;

How to remove an inhibitor chip; and

That removing a clone's active inhibitor chip will restore his free will

And yet, despite all this knowledge, the only effort they make to save Crosshair is to tell him about the inhibitor chip.

They don't attempt or even discuss possibly stunning him on the artillery deck and taking him with them.

But, admittedly, this isn't the best time to attempt a rescue, as they're outnumbered and essentially trapped aboard the Jedi Cruiser. And then Omega gets captured by Cad Bane and Hunter gets shot, and the others are desperately trying to get off Bracca before Crosshair & co. shoot them down. Fine. Getting off Bracca safely and then trying to find Omega should be their priority.

But, once they recover Omega on Bora Vio, and their lives aren't in immediate danger anymore... this would've been the perfect time to at least debate going back for Crosshair.

Again, they have all the information needed at this point.

As for how they find him, well, I'm sure they could get the information somehow. Or they could just cause a stir somewhere so he'd show up to arrest them again, like he did on Bracca.

But, no, they just continue doing jobs for Cid in 1.10-1.13. They don't bring him up at all until they see him on Ryloth in 1.12 "Rescue on Ryloth," and again, the tone is like, "Well, Crosshair is here. That's annoying."

If not being able to locate him was the only reason they didn't try to save him after 1.08/1.09, that argument doesn't apply to 1.12 "Rescue on Ryloth." He's there. They know he's there. They're already there doing an extraction job anyway... why don't they just grab him too???

Yes, there would be additional risks, but YOUR BROTHER HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED BY THE EMPIRE AND FORCED TO DO ITS BIDDING, AND YOU DON'T SEEM TO GIVE A SHIT!!!

Which brings us nicely to:

THE DOUBLE STANDARD

Throughout Season 1, but especially in the latter half, we see The Batch putting themselves in harm's way for complete strangers, or at most, friends-of-friends.

They rescue Muchi the Rancor and other people from enslavers; they extract the former Separatist Senator from Raxus; they extract the Syndullas from Ryloth; they break Gregor out of the Imperial base on Daro.

In the latter three cases, the Batch went to Imperial-occupied planets and an Imperial base, despite all the risks involved. And, especially when they saved Gregor, they had very little information going in and basically just winged the entire thing.

It just feels like, when you look at all these cases, any argument the Batch could make for not saving Crosshair just falls apart.

"We didn't know where he was." He was on Ryloth -- grab him then.

"We didn't have enough information." You didn't on Daro, and you still snuck into a heavily fortified Imperial base to rescue Gregor.

"Everyone there would've been trying to kill us." You literally extract/rescue people from Imperial forces for a living...

"It would've endangered Omega." Well, buddy, have I got a story for you...

You see, when Hunter falls on Daro and gets captured, the Batch still comes to his rescue despite knowing it's a trap AND THEY BRING OMEGA WITH THEM!!!

Every excuse they could've made for not saving Crosshair sooner is gone. The Batch will literally run into a trap for Hunter, and they constantly throw themselves into danger to save Omega, but they never do the same for Crosshair.

It really feels like such a double standard.

They seem to care about everyone BUT him.

Plus, sadly, there's one more parallel I can draw. One more instance where the Bad Batch put themselves in harm's way to save a fellow clone who was being mind-controlled by their enemies in an attempt to kill them...

Echo.

Yes, remember all the way back in TCW Season 7, when we find out that Echo is the one behind the algorithm that's giving the Separatists an advantage in all these battles?

Even though Rex thought Echo was dead, the minute he suspects Echo's still alive, he goes after him. He even punches Crosshair over it, after Crosshair bullies Rex for leaving Echo for dead at the Citadel.

One of the "regs" went back for his brother despite knowing he was being mind-controlled by the enemy and forced to attack them.

Rex, Anakin and the Bad Batch save Echo from a terrible fate. They extract him from the Separatists, restore his free will and essentially give him his life back.

Yet, when the exact same thing happens to one of their own, the Batch don't even consider going back for Crosshair the way Rex went back for Echo -- hell, the way they went in for Echo too, even though they didn't know him!!

SOME CONSIDERATIONS

I will give the Batch this: once Crosshair confronts them on Kamino and Hunter stuns him, Hunter decides not to leave Crosshair behind this time. And that was even after Crosshair refused to say when he had his chip removed. So, for all they know, he might've been acting of his own free will when he tried to kill them on Bracca.

While taking Crosshair with them at the end of 1.15 was a step in the right direction, I don't think it was enough to make up for everything they failed to do.

And, while he doesn't specify exactly what, Hunter later admits to Crosshair in 3.05 "The Return" that he has regrets too. And considering the context and the timeframe they're talking about, it's possible Hunter regrets not going back for Crosshair sooner/at all, among other mistakes he's made. (Story for another time.)

I'll also give some consideration to Wrecker, who was the only one of the brothers who said he actively missed Crosshair in 1.03 "The Replacements." Tech mentions Crosshair very flippantly a few times, and Echo doesn't really mention him at all.

(EDIT: Looking back now, Echo *not* talking about Crosshair is such a weird choice. Shouldn’t he of all people know what it’s like to be mind-controlled? To be weaponized by your enemy and forced to kill your loved ones?)

(ANOTHER EDIT: I was rewatching 1.14 “War-Mantle” today and this line stood out to me:

Echo: If there’s a chance that trooper is being held against his will, we have to try to get him out.

I realize that being imprisoned is different than being mind-controlled and actively hunting down you down, but it’s still weird that Echo of all people doesn’t seem to give a flying eff about Crosshair’s situation while practically begging Hunter to rescue a clone they’ve never met.🧐)

Obviously, we'll never know for certain, but I do wonder how Crosshair would've reacted if his brothers had rescued him and removed his chip at some point. Would he have stayed with them? Would he have wanted to rejoin the Empire voluntarily?

Considering he (supposedly) had his chip removed and still stayed with the Empire willingly in-universe, it's possible he might've wanted to do the same thing in an AU where his brothers rescued him.

He definitely despised that they were fugitives and "scavenging like rats," while he had authority, respect and purpose as a soldier of the Empire.

But, I think a large component -- although not the only one -- of why he stays with the Empire is that he felt like his brothers abandoned him. He brings this up several times in 1.15 and 1.16, and the way he does indicates this is a major sore spot for him.

We see in 1.01 "Aftermath" that the chip enhancement procedure is painful. He scrunches his face, flexes his hand and squirms around in the chamber. Plus, the machine itself looks similar to the Mind Flayer from other "Star Wars" properties.

Crosshair was literally being tortured by the Empire. Maybe he doesn't recall that once the procedure's done, but we see him getting his chip enhanced in both 1.01 and 1.03, and it's possible it was enhanced even more times off-screen.

I cannot stress this enough: the Empire basically took Crosshair prisoner, tortured him and hijacked his free will.

And his brothers essentially did nothing to save him.

It would be one thing if his brothers were civilians like you and me, and didn't know the first thing about how to infiltrate an Imperial compound or how to navigate a firefight despite being outnumbered.

But, that doesn't apply to The Bad Batch. That's literally their bread-and-butter.

And Crosshair -- especially once he seems to regain his free will between the Bracca and Ryloth arcs -- watched his brothers risk their lives to save complete strangers while doing nothing for him.

I would've been livid too.

Not to sound like Tech, but while I don't agree with Crosshair's decision, I can understand why he decided to stay on Kamino rather than go with them at the end of 1.16. His brothers offered him no real comfort and no real apology, and I think he desperately wanted to hear that, especially from Hunter.

I know after everything that's happened -- especially Crosshair refusing to say when he had his chip removed -- that it would've been hard to admit their mistakes. But, Crosshair wanted to hear something beyond: "You can come with us if you want. And if you don't, we don't have to be enemies."

The closest thing to comfort any of them offer is Omega affirming that, despite everything, she still cared about him. This seems to be the only thing that really effects him, that causes him to doubt his decision, that causes him to show any kind of emotion beyond anger.

I legitimately believe that if someone had talked to Crosshair one-on-one for like five minutes, and really showed how much they still cared about him and always did, that he would've rejoined them.

Granted, it's really hard to tell.

Crosshair has, as Tech said, always been severe and unyielding. Plus, he really suffers from this "in for a penny, in for a pound" kind of mindset, which is partly why he stays with the Empire for so long even after regaining his free will.

But the fact that all his brothers leave him on Kamino again so effortlessly, so easily is just tragic. No final goodbye. No hug. No nothing.

For all any of them know, this could be the last time they ever see each other. (And, for Tech and Crosshair, it was.)

I know it wouldn't have been easy after everything that's happened, but for crying out loud, I just wanted them to try.

And I imagine Crosshair did too.

IN CONCLUSION

Honestly, I think the TBB writers and producers purposely never gave us a scene of The Batch debating whether to go after Crosshair, or a scene of them outlining to us the audience why it wasn't possible even though they wanted to.

I think the creative team wanted us to sympathize with Crosshair when he says "You weren't loyal to me," while also arguably giving our protagonists a weakness to overcome later.

This really seems like the case if we look at Season 2.

Once the Batch finds out Crosshair's being detained by the Empire's Advanced Science Division in 2.14 "Tipping Point," they immediately start discussing whether and why they should try to save him, even after everything that happened between them in S1.

On top of that, this time they actually decide to do whatever it takes to get him back, despite limited intel and the imminent danger behind such an undertaking.

I think the Batch genuinely learned from their mistakes in Season 1 and, as Hunter maybe alludes to in 3.05 "The Return," regretted not going back for Crosshair sooner/at all after the Empire started controlling him.

I'll admit: I think when I first watched Season 1, I was basically in the Batch's corner. Crosshair was gunning for them at every opportunity, and Omega's well-being quickly became their priority (understandably so).

But, after rewatching Season 1 -- especially now that the show is over and we see how everyone's arcs play out -- it really hits me just how much Crosshair's brothers failed him in Season 1.

Again, I'm not saying Crosshair didn't make mistakes too. He definitely did.

But Crosshair's brothers failed him first.

AN ADDENDUM

(EDIT/UPDATE:) Since writing the above, I've stumbled across a few other posts of people making the counterargument, saying they believe Hunter was in the right and don't appreciate the hate he gets for not going back for Crosshair.

People are more than welcome to make that argument. I think that kind of debate just shows how nuanced this show and its characters are, because you can make valid arguments for both sides.

And to clarify, I don't hate Hunter (and the others) for not going back for Crosshair in S1. As Hunter says later in 3.05: "Nobody really understood what was happening back then." It was a chaotic time -- for the galaxy and their family.

In the span of one episode, the Jedi are exterminated; the war ends; the Republic is reorganized into the Empire; the clones' future role in the galaxy is questioned; and when CF99 refuse to kill civilians, they're declared traitors and arrested.

And to top it all off, Crosshair is acting strange AND they find out they have a little sister who's in danger.

So, when Crosshair seemingly betrays them, and they barely escape with their lives, it's understandable that the Batch's first move is just to get their bearings and figure out their next steps.

And, of course, all the dominoes fall from there.

So, while I definitely don't hate him and I understand why they don't go back for Crosshair initially, I am disappointed in Hunter.

If the writers wanted me to be on his side and understand that it was basically impossible to go back for Crosshair, then I needed a scene showing/telling me why they can't. Or I at least needed a scene proving that they care about him, because based on what we actually got in Season 1, I tend to fall on Crosshair's side when he argues his brothers didn't care about him the way they clearly care about Hunter when he's captured.

You can certainly make arguments that, because Crosshair's their brother and he knows all their strategies, strengths, weaknesses, etc., that he's even more dangerous than all the other Imperials they might face. Yes, definitely. I argue that's all the more reason to try to save him.

Yes, there would be risks. But, if you succeed, not only do you lose a very dangerous enemy -- one who knows you inside and out -- but you would (hopefully) regain a teammate.

Imagine you're in Hunter's shoes and your sibling -- or if you don't have one, a really good friend who feels like a sibling -- gets taken captive and mind-controlled by an evil organization. Wouldn't you try your damnedest to get them out? Or at the very least, wouldn't you be sad about their situation?

Rewatching 1.03 "The Replacements," there's an interesting scene that's probably the closest we get to a real discussion about Crosshair -- how they feel about him, whether they miss him, whether he really betrayed them or was being influenced by the chip.

@laughhardrunfastbekindsblog did a great analysis of each character's reaction, which I recommend you read at some point.

I want to take a quick look at it too, starting with the brothers looking at Omega with Crosshair's weapon kit like she just knocked over Grandma's urn or something.

It feels like, for the first time, they're starting to let themselves process what really happened. This is their first real chance to mourn losing their brother.

Tech wonders whether Crosshair's actions were influenced by his inhibitor chip, and Omega basically confirms that theory. Wrecker is excited by the possibility that Crosshair didn't willingly betray them, but Hunter very quickly shuts the conversation down, saying they have other problems to tackle first.

While he's not technically wrong, Hunter pulls out the "raincheck card” too frequently in Season 1. And subsequently, a lot of the topics that come up in conversations keep simmering in the background while the Batch does other things until they're FORCED to confront them.

This scene is the perfect example of that. The Batch didn't mention Crosshair except in passing in 1.02, and it's only when Omega finds his weapon kit that they are FORCED to talk about him. (EDIT: Check out the 3:45 mark of this video on 2.09 “The Crossing” for more examples.)

I get the sense that Hunter's reaction in this scene, plus all the distractions that come up later, is why the others never really bring up Crosshair again, except in passing. It's a sore subject for Hunter, and they all tend to take their cues from him, especially this early in the show. Plus, they're probably still processing their own feelings, so they might not be ready to bring up the topic.

One last thing from 1.03 I want to note is that, later in the episode, Hunter is telling Omega about his and his brothers' enhanced abilities, and he automatically excludes Crosshair from the list.

It really feels like Hunter -- and the rest of the squad by extension -- labeled Crosshair as a lost cause very early on. That it was a given that he was their enemy now and there was no real chance of getting him back (unless he came to his senses on his own like Howzer and other clones later do).

This might be why they're so shocked when he reveals he removed his chip, because they were hoping that once he "woke up" that he would come back to them. Wrecker even says as much to Crosshair in 1.16: "We still would've taken ya."

Ultimately, I think the characters had differing perspectives on who had the responsibility in the situation.

It seems Hunter and the others took a very passive approach. They told Crosshair about the chip when they had the chance, hoped he would "wake up" on his own, and would've accepted him back if he had.

But, Crosshair feels they should've taken a more active approach. He's hurt that they never came back for him, whether to save him or to join him.

(EDIT #2: I realize that by 1.15, at least, Crosshair seems to be arguing that they should’ve come back to join him in the Empire. He might be making that argument, but I’m saying his brothers had a responsibility to try to save him, and in that regard, I believe they failed.)

This is essentially the exchange Hunter and Crosshair have in 1.15:

Crosshair: They don't leave their own behind, most of the time. Hunter: You tried to kill us. We didn't have a choice. Crosshair: Hmm. And I did?

And, as I said before, based on everything we saw in Season 1, I tend to side with Crosshair.

Hunter made mistakes -- never talking about Crosshair and shutting down the others when they did was a big one. He never addressed the elephant in the room until he HAD to, and by then it was basically too late. And, of course, it seems the others took their cues from him.

As the leader, it was his job to -- at some point when they weren't in immediate danger -- introduce the topic and ask the others for their thoughts about Crosshair, especially once they knew how powerful the chip's influence was and once they knew how to remove it.

But, he didn't.

If the writers wanted me to side with Hunter when he says "We didn't have a choice" -- especially given the double standard I discussed earlier -- I don't think they gave me good enough reason to.

However, I think that's ultimately why the writers did what they did.

Both Hunter and Crosshair made enough mistakes in Season 1 that you can argue all day about which one of them failed the other more, which makes the show and characters all the stronger for it. Because neither one is 100% in the right or 100% in the wrong.

I just wanted to play Devil's Advocate, and try to explain why Crosshair felt like he did, and why I believe he was (at least partly) justified.

So, feel free to continue debating it, but I at least believe that Crosshair's brothers failed him first.