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snitchcrimsonwrites · 5 days ago

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Romance on Ryloth- Chapter 1

Pairing: Captain Howzer x F Reader

You are an intelligence officer connected to Cham Syndulla, assigned to Captain Howzer's squad on Ryloth to assist in maintaining peace on the planet. During your initial encounter, Howzer is uncertain about you; you don’t fit his expectations of an intelligence officer, yet he finds you captivating. Follow along as our favorite Captain navigates romance on Ryloth. Begins at the conclusion of the Clone Wars era and will connect with Howzer's narrative in the Bad Batch.

Chapter Masterlist:

The Republic command center on Ryloth was dimly lit, primarily lit by the flickering displays of tactical monitors and a glowing holographic map of Ryloth, which glowed with affected conflict zones in red. Four men gathered around the display; two were in Republic military attire—an officer and a clone captain, standing at full attention—while the other two Twi’lek men continued their ongoing “diplomatic” negotiations over supply routes. Captain Howzer stood at attention; his ramrod-straight posture projected an air of composure, yet the clench of his jaw revealed his underlying tension. He didn’t know how much longer he could stay composed if General Cham Syndulla and Senator Orn Free Taa continued this at every debrief meeting.

Since he was first stationed here during the early phases of the liberation of Ryloth, things have been this way: Cham was passionate like the soul of a freedom fighter, while Senator Taa was dismissive, with the demeanor of a Senator who believed that what was best for him was best for the people. From the beginning, it was a combination that would fuel dissent over even the smallest decisions, and honestly, Howzer was exhausted. If they continued like this, they would never reach the actual purpose of this meeting in the first place.

As if reading his mind from across the table, his commanding officer, an aging Republic admiral, is the first to remind the men why they have gathered by clearing his throat and raising his hand to interject. “Gentlemen, I doubt it is imperative to continue blaming each other for every patrol route and supply delay. Let me remind you that we have a returning asset joining us, one who I hope could help us all gain a broader perspective on the issue at hand: maintaining peace and security on Ryloth.”

Cham halts his tirade directed at the Senator and smiles, his expression shifting from annoyance to warmth—a sudden, noticeable change that didn’t escape Howzer's notice. “Finally. You brought her back. I advised against removing her when you first mentioned moving her to another assignment.” As Cham finished his dramatic introduction, the door hissed open behind Howzer. You entered wearing a subdued Republic Intelligence officer’s uniform, nothing flashy, but it still projected an aura of sharpness that extended beyond your attire.

You surveyed the room, spotting a familiar smiling face. “Cham. Not surprised you still take the same seat at the table.”

With that, Cham walks around the table to greet you, grasping your arm in a comrade's embrace. “It’s an honor to have you back home.”

Your smile widens, just as pleased to return to Ryloth, while your attention shifts to the unfamiliar clone standing next to him, standing tall, embodying the epitome of military protocol. But that wasn’t what caught your attention; it was his face. Overall, it was almost identical to every other clone you’ve worked beside over the years, and yet somehow not… Battle scars hardened his face, yet you could still identify a softness in his eyes. You let your gaze linger in them for just a second too long before taking in the rest of him in. His hair was longer than regulation at the top, featuring an undercut style that you found suited him in a way you couldn’t quite place yet. In that brief moment of assessment, you recognized how he carried himself in a way that said he didn’t need to raise his voice to command a room. You found his presence quite captivating.

Cham notices the opportunity and takes it to introduce you. “Captain Howzer, this is Y/N. She’s the Republic’s best strategic mind, and a dear friend. Her work turned the tide more than once on Ryloth. With her support, your job just got infinitely easier.”

Howzer steps forward, offering his hand with a respectful nod. “It’s an honor. Anyone Cham calls a friend, and a strategic asset, has my full attention.” He glances at you with a hint of a smile, clearly still assessing what to make of you. “Though now the pressure’s on, making my job easier is a tall order,” he concludes with a soft chuckle.

You smile in return, about to open your mouth to respond, but before you can, Senator Taa, who had remained silent before, finally expresses his dry skepticism about your return. “How generous of Intelligence Command to return one of its shadow officers to Ryloth. I wasn’t aware we required spies for peacekeeping.”

Howzer’s expression shifts, clearly surprised by the Senator’s blatant contempt for you. The venom in his tone was evident; nonetheless, you remain unfazed. With practiced composure, you address Taa with the professionalism you’ve come to depend on when interacting with similar men in his position. “Senator Taa,” you say, bowing your head slightly, “it has been too long. You remember, I’m not here as a spy; just to provide counsel. I only aim to ensure that our choices don’t provide the Separatists with another opportunity on this planet.”

A heavy silence fills the room after the exchange. Howzer observes closely as the Senator shows irritation at your comments, while Cham seems to relax slightly. Clearly, your presence is bound to escalate this already troubled dynamic; he can already see it, so much for making his job easier.

The admiral interjects, eager to wrap up the lengthy briefing. "Alright—enough of the ceremony. Captain Howzer, she will join your unit for strategic oversight and coordination. While she reports to me, you two will collaborate closely, ensuring you have all the information at your disposal to conduct our peacekeeping and rebuilding operations."

Howzer nods briefly, the last exchange making him cautious about this new arrangement and what it means for him. “Understood, sir.”

You lock eyes with the Captain as he shifts his attention from the admiral back to you. "Don’t worry, we’ll manage to get along, Captain. Or at least we can pretend for the mission’s sake,” you jest, attempting to ease the atmosphere.

“As long as you don’t complicate my job, we’ll get along just fine,” he replies with a smirk.

The rest of the briefing meeting goes relatively smoothly, yet the initial tension from General Syndulla and Senator Taa’s distant exchanges upon arrival still hangs in the air. As the meeting concludes, Senator Taa gathers his robes with deliberate disdain for those present in the room, offering one last look at you before he departs. “Admiral. Captain.”– he addresses the two men, skipping over your and Cham’s titles altogether–” Let’s hope this newest addition doesn’t complicate matters further.” He exits the room with a flourish, as the heavy doors close behind him with a pronounced hiss.

“Nice to see the Senator hasn’t changed,” you say dryly, allowing your posture to relax slightly, relieved by his exit. You anticipated his discontent over an associate of Cham Syndulla returning and altering the planet’s operational dynamics, but you didn't foresee the apparent hostility directed at you. Much has changed during your absence on Ryloth.

Cham doesn’t let you dwell on it for too long. “Well. That was painful. But it had its bright spots.” He turns to you, fully wrapping you in a genuine embrace now that the formalities are done. “You’re home. We need to celebrate. My family will host dinner tonight, and we’ll give you a proper welcome. Nothing formal—just food and old friends.”

You shake your head with a weary half-smile, acknowledging what you already knew about the Twi’lek general before you. Cham never does anything halfway; while he knows that big gatherings aren’t your thing, they are his. "Cham, if this devolves into something where I’m giving a speech for the honor of Ryloth in front of a crowd, I’m going to vanish, never to be seen again, and you know I can do it," you said in a tone that was half mock, half threat.

He laughs, warm and genuine: “No speeches. Just dinner. Maybe ten... twenty people tops.”

You raise an eyebrow in doubt, already worried about what you were getting into. “Ten?”

"Fifteen… Eighteen, max. The Twi’lek resistance doesn’t do small gatherings. You know that.”

You sigh, both resigned and amused; it has been too long. “Fine. But no military debriefs. No toasts. If someone sings a freedom anthem, I’m gone,” you complete your final offer as the general moves towards the door. Cham gives your shoulder a brief squeeze as he departs. “Deal. It’ll be beneficial for them to see you again. They need to understand that someone has come back for more than just orders.” He then exits, already speaking into his comlink, likely inviting ‘just a few’ more guests.

After he leaves, you and Howzer are alone for the first time. He stands upright, grabs his helmet from the table at his side, and says, “Well. Looks like I’m your escort now.”

You study him with a neutral expression, assessing. “You don’t look particularly thrilled about that,” you tease.

“I’m a soldier, not a politician or peacekeeper. They expect me to handle all this tension without firing a shot,” he pauses, locking his eyes on you, his tone skeptical about the situation. “I’m still unsure about where you draw that line."

You nod, understanding that he means no offense, and you value the honesty in his observation. He is simply doing his job and acting in the best interest of Ryloth, just as you are. “My job is to ensure no one lights the fuse. Yours is to step in between them if they do. We just have to make this setup work, Captain, for Ryloth.”

He nods slightly in agreement, pleased that you grasp the situation, and gestures toward the door, saying, “Then we'd better start with that dinner. Wouldn’t want you vanishing into the hills and leaving me to explain your disappearance to Command.”

You grin, “Come on, you’d notice my absence long before Command would. Don’t forget, Cham mentioned I’m here to make your job easier.”

“Right,” he chuckles, “You walk in here quoting Cham like that, and I already know I’m in trouble.”

—-----------------------

As you and Howzer reached the Syndulla residence, the sun was setting behind Ryloth’s peaks. A small crowd had gathered on the open terrace just beyond the gates: resistance fighters, family members, and civilians sharing stories and food. You pause at the edge of the crowd as you disembark from the transport with Howzer by your side, still clad in full armor with his helmet tucked under his arm. Too many familiar faces brighten with recognition, prompting you to lean toward him and murmur, “This is not ten people.”

“Almost forty,” Howzer replies, deadpan, as if delivering grim news. “I kept count on the way up.”

“Why does that not surprise me?” you mutter, almost begrudgingly. You catch Cham’s attention through the open gate as he waves you over, his smile wide and genuine. While large parties aren’t necessarily your thing, you can’t help but feel heartened by the turnout from Ryloth to welcome you back.

As the evening progresses, you and Howzer make the rounds. Cham plays the gracious host, introducing you to unfamiliar faces and helping you reconnect with old ones. Despite the familiarity, you eventually drift from the main conversation, standing just outside the circle of guests, arms crossed. Howzer lingers loyally at your side, operating in protective ‘bodyguard’ mode. You're grateful for his company, even if it’s protocol.

“You’ve got that look,” Howzer says, breaking the silence with a smug, knowing look, thinking he can already read you. He might.

“What look?” you reply, feigning ignorance.

“The one that says you’ve already calculated three escape routes.”

"Habit,” you admit, smirking without breaking your gaze from the partygoers. “I typically avoid 'welcoming parties.'"

“Could’ve fooled me,” his tone warm, amused. “ Half the room lit up the moment you walked in. Not exactly what I expected from someone in intelligence.”

“I’m not what you expected the Republic to send you to babysit, am I, Captain?”

He shakes his head as you continue. “I’m not here to play nice with politicians or push propaganda. I came back for Ryloth,” you speak dryly.

Once you finish, Howzer studies your face before stating, “Then we’re on the same side. I didn’t come here to play politics either.” Not that he had a choice, but he still wanted it to matter. Following his comment, the two of you settle into a comfortable silence, observing the partygoers and interacting with the few who come to speak with you.

A few hours later, the crowd has thinned. Plates are scraped clean, drinks have dwindled, and most guests have filtered out, lingering over nightcaps or saying their goodbyes. Captain Howzer, however, stands alone near an empty table, brow furrowed, scanning the terrace with a mild frown.

“Kriff,” he muttered, feeling frustrated as he began to pace, “Where the hell did she go?” He sighs and rubs the back of his neck. “One intel officer on the entire mountain, and I lose track of her. Real sharp, Captain.”

He approaches the terrace edge and notices a side path that curves away behind the compound. Feeling an urge to explore the path, he moves slowly and carefully, his instincts honed from his years as a soldier. Turning the corner, he notices the shapes of two figures resting on two worn supply containers. You and the young Hera Syndulla sit on the containers, swinging your legs over the side while leaning back on your hands, gazing up at the starlit night sky. Howzer comes closer but instinctively remains out of sight, just beyond your view, but close enough to catch the tail end of your conversation with the girl.

“Do you think I’ll ever get to fly out there? Like you and Dad did?” Hera asks softly, tracing the outline of the sky with her hand.

“I think you’ll go farther than both of us, Hera,” you reply, your voice firm with conviction. You’re not just saying that to appease the young Twi’lek; you genuinely believe it.

Hera smiles, half shy, half unsure how to accept the compliment. “ Dad says I’m stubborn, born to find trouble.”

“Good,” you assert, “So was I. Still am. There are worse qualities.”

“You don’t act like the other soldiers,” Hera states, tilting her head as if considering. Her comment makes you pause, leading you to think before responding. “That’s because I didn’t want to be one. Not really… I wanted to help people, and I discovered this is a way I can, even if it’s …different from what I envisioned.”

Hera moves in closer, leaning against your arm; you don’t flinch, allowing her to. “Did you miss us when you left?”

“Every day. But I had to go. That’s what the job asked of me, and other people needed my help.”

“Are you gonna leave again?” she asked, her voice wavering slightly. Almost afraid of your answer.

“Not if I can help it,” you assert, determined to remain for the long haul.

Ahem. A throat clears in the dark. You and Hera glance back to see Howzer stepping into view, one brow slightly raised.

“Guess that’s our cue. Time for bed,” you murmur, unceremoniously sliding off the crate and offering your hand to Hera. She groans in protest, but you give her a teasing look.

“Ah, ah. We can’t disrespect our commanding officer like that. Say goodnight, Hera.”

“Goodnight, Captain Howzer,” she says dutifully, dipping her head before heading up the path ahead of you. He chuckles, wishing her a good night similarly as she vanishes into the darkness before them. “You’ve trained her well; I didn’t know that was possible,” Howzer remarked.

You and Howzer ease into the quiet of the night and start to walk back down the path, trailing leisurely behind the young Syndulla. Howzer walks beside you, helmet still tucked under his arm, his steps unhurried but steady.

From the corner of your eye, you catch him glancing at you again. “You’ve got a staring problem, Captain,” you deadpan, eyes forward.

He doesn’t miss a beat, keeping up. “I’ve got questions. Watching helps.”

That earns him a look as you pivot slightly to face him while still walking. “What exactly are you trying to figure out?”

“Who you are when no one’s looking.” He says it like it’s obvious.

You arch a brow in his direction. “And tonight didn’t answer that for you?”

“It made the question more complicated.”

A smirk tugs at your lips. You let it linger as you toss back, “You ever consider that maybe some people are just… complicated? No secret mission. No ulterior motives. Just messy people trying to do the right thing.”

Howzer hums softly, considering it. “Sure... But those people usually don’t work in intelligence.”

That makes you laugh, the kind that reverberates from your mouth out into the night. “Fair point. I’ll give you that.”

Ahead, Cham’s voice drifts back to you as his daughter approaches him, wrapping him in a goodnight hug. “Ahh, there you are! The transport’s ready to take you both back to base. Time to say goodnight for now.”

You glance up, spotting the military transport vehicle waiting beyond the main gate. “Come on, Captain,” you say, shifting back into motion. “Let’s get you home. I think we’ve both had enough fun for one night.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replies with a touch too much formality, clearly teasing.

You grimace. “Ugh. No. Just Y/N, please.”

As he climbs onto the transport, he lets out a mock sigh, adjusting his tone, letting it soften. “Yes… Y/N.”

#star wars bad batch #captain howzer #tbb howzer #bad batch howzer #clone trooper howzer #howzer x reader #captain howzer x reader

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snitchcrimsonwrites · 8 days ago

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Summer of the Bad Batch 2025- Week 2 and 3 Alt. Prompts

Banner by @blackseafoam

Week 2 and 3 Alt Prompts: "Don't even think about it" and Brothers

Characters: Mainly Echo and Omega, appearances by Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Batcher

Echo is on 'shore leave' back on Pabu, taking some time off from his missions for Rex. He's determined to get some well-deserved rest, but Batcher and Omega have other plans.

@summer-of-bad-batch-reblogs @summer-of-bad-batch

Morning light softly filters through the wooden shutters of the Batch’s shared apartment on Pabu. The island remains quiet, still not fully awake, still cradled in the lingering hush of morning. The calm is only interrupted by the gentle sound of waves lapping against the cliffside, a rhythm mirroring the slow rise and fall of Echo’s breath as he lies tangled in the sheets of his blanket. For once, he’s taken real leave from his mission with Rex. Time off. ‘Shore leave.’ At home. His home. It’s a concept he never expected to have, much less miss every time his shuttle takes off, leaving the island behind.

Although it’s early on his first morning back, it’s still significantly later than his usual wake-up time. Echo tosses, his body clock failing to acknowledge the idea of vacation time, drowsily attempting to return to the embrace of sleep that is slipping away from him, determined to make the most of his time off. He clears his mind and focuses on the weight of sleep just out of reach, hoping to be enveloped again. As he drifts off, he hears a noise from below his room door. A small snort reverberates under the door frame.

Echo turns over, burying his face in his pillow with a groan. “No. Absolutely not. Don’t even think about it, Batcher. It’s too early for this.” In response to his comment, another snort came from beneath the door, followed by the thump of a tail hitting the wall, and then the unmistakable sound of Omega outside trying to wrangle the now-excited hound. “Batcher, shh! You’ll wake—”

However, it’s too late; the door flies open, unleashing a surge of lurca hound excitement. Batcher races across the room and jumps directly onto Echo’s bed with a thud as she lands firmly on Echo’s drowsy figure.

“Batcher!” Omega dashes in a moment later behind the hound, barefoot but already dressed for the day. “Echo, I’m so sorry—I tried to hold her back, but she really missed you.”

“That makes one of us…” Echo deadpans, his mouth still pressed into his pillow, clinging to the delusion that he’s actually going back to sleep. He peeks up with bleary eyes to find Batcher sprawled comfortably beside him, her tail still wagging. Echo shifts with a resigned grunt as Omega gently tugs at her, encouraging her to rise and let the weary clone rest. He deserves it, after all. “Come on, girl. Let’s go, let him sleep a bit longer.”

“Omega… you’re awake pretty early,” Echo observes, turning to look at his sister with a knowing expression. He knows her well enough to sense that she’s plotting something. Omega halts suddenly, her expression momentarily wavering. She's been caught.

“I, um… yeah. I was hoping you’d be awake by now. I have some things I’d like us to do today,” her tone is apologetic yet optimistic. Echo takes a deep breath, a hint of amusement easing the fatigue etched on his face. It’s hard to stay annoyed. Not at her. Echo exhales slowly, rubbing a hand over his face before lifting an arm and patting the spot beside him, the one not already occupied by forty kilos of lurca hound. “Alright. Come on then. Let’s hear it,” he resigns.

Omega brightens instantly and climbs up beside him, settling in with a bounce on the bed. Meanwhile, Batcher shifts to rest her head in Echo’s lap with a satisfied sigh, her tongue lolling as Echo absently rubs behind her ears. This is probably the reason she was so intent on getting in. Omega sits cross-legged next to Echo, who is now upright, leaning against the headboard, a blanket draped around his waist. Despite the early hour and dramatic wake-up call, he makes his best effort to be engaged as she enthusiastically discusses her plans for the day. “Okay! So, first, we’re meeting Lyana and Shep for breakfast by the market. Then I thought we could take the boat out and scan the reef again—remember how we noticed those strange readings last time?”

Before Echo can reply, a knock sounds on the doorframe, and Hunter leans in, holding a mug in his hand, clearly having been up for a while. “I was wondering why Batcher was missing and the house is so quiet, but it makes sense if you two are already scheming.” He steps in without waiting for a response, taking in the sight of Omega, Echo, and Batcher all tangled up on the bed like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Glad it can be.

“You want in on the plan? There’s a boat and breakfast involved,” Omega says, hoping to grab her brother’s attention.

“Not sure if you have a choice. They make a very persuasive argument.” Echo offers as Hunter pads across the room to sit on the edge of the bed, taking a sip from his mug, “You had me at breakfast.” He pauses. “Also, if Wrecker asks, I wasn’t awake until now, he’ll think I’m sneaking out without him. ”

Right on cue, a loud thud echoed down the hall, and Wrecker appeared in the doorway with his shirt only half on. It was a type of dramatic flair that only Wrecker could get away with. “I KNEW IT!”

The group can’t help but chuckle at his dramatics. Their laughter draws his gaze as he enters the doorway, realizing that most of the Batch has gathered in Echo’s room. “You’re all awake? That’s not fair! No one bothered to wake me!” he complains, eager not to miss out, as he enters the room, moving to flop onto the bed, nudging everyone around him. “So, what’s the plan? Is there food? If not, I’m just going to sleep right here,” he says, adding another exaggerated flop down on the bed to drive home his point.

“You’re already overwhelming me, Wrecker,” Echo sighs, attempting to nudge the bigger clone toward a less crowded section of his bed, igniting a discussion about who is really on top of whom. They’re caught up in a jostling contest with Hunter as the referee when a sudden, sharp knock echoes against the doorframe.

They look up to see Tech standing calmly, fully dressed, with a datapad in one hand and goggles already on, nonchalant as if he hasn't just walked into a sibling pileup on Echo’s bed. "I find it statistically improbable that all of you independently chose to crowd into Echo’s bed at this hour.”

"Good morning, Tech! You’ve arrived just in time; we’re organizing today’s adventures!” Omega smiles, thrilled that her plan to spend the day with her brothers is coming together sooner than anticipated. All of them, together again.

Tech enters the room, shaking his head skeptically as he picks the last available seat, a crate against the wall. He sits down, crosses his legs, and begins typing on his pad. “Hmm. A curious term for what will likely devolve into chasing Wrecker through the tidepools… again.”

“You seem to think I wanted that to happen, but that fish bit me, Tech! It bit me!” Wrecker insists defensively.

Tech deflects, recentering the conversation. “Omega, if this is the mission briefing, I'd recommend a more organized itinerary. Furthermore, I suggest someone other than Wrecker pilot the boat… Lest we want a repeat of last time,” he finished, side-eyeing his brother as he recalled the last outing when he had happened to be flung off the side of the boat while taking a water sample.

“Echo’s the pilot today,” Omega confirms, grinning up at him now.

“Am I now?” Echo lets out a mock groan at this new responsibility, yet he offers no real protest as he sinks deeper into the headboard behind him, taking in the ridiculous mess of limbs, the sleepy smiles, and the prospect of the day ahead. Sure, he’s barely awake. Yes, his bed feels uncomfortably small. But, there’s nowhere in the galaxy he’d rather be. Home with his family.

#summerofbadbatch2025 #week 2 #week 3 #don't even think about it #brothers #the bad batch #star wars bad batch #echo bad batch #tech bad batch #wrecker bad batch #omega bad batch #hunter bad batch #batcher the lurca hound

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