#especially hunter and tech

[dindjarindiaries]

Today marks 5 years since we officially met the Bad Batch in The Clone Wars!

It also marks 1 year since the premiere of The Bad Batch season 3.

It’s hard to believe we’ve had the Batch for half a decade now, but I’m so grateful, because they’ve since become some of my favorite Star Wars characters ever!

[magicandmundane]

Hunter: Fuck it. Let’s go back to Kamino and adopt that kid.

Wrecker, Tech, and Echo: Adopt—? Yeah okay, we’ve done weirder shit.

Crosshair: With all due respect, which is none at this point, what the fuck is wrong with you

[blackseafoam]

I’m too excited about this WIP to not share it, big group shot for the next update! Gonna color this one :)

[tragedy-for-sale]

Age of the Batch

This has been on my mind lately

Getting a few things out of the way. None of their wookiepedia pages state how old they are (not given a BBY year). If you simply look up their ages, it places Omega at 12 years (which is confirmed unless I dreamt that), and the batch at 13 (which is incorrect). We also know the oldest clones are 13 (26) by the end of the war.

Omega is older than the batch; Which crosses out the possibility of them being 13/Gen Ones. This means the oldest they could be is 12 (24) by the end of the war. We also know Omega was old enough to remember seeing the mutations of the batch get enhanced. So the question arose of what was the youngest age Omega could consciously remember that and also be an effective lab assist? Around three or four would be the youngest.

When Omega is explaining to the batch, she tells them '...sent to be with the other clones.' Does this infer they went back to their growth jars in those giant rooms, or out consciously? Since we know Omega is able to remember their mutations being done, that means the batch did not initially have all their mutations and had to be modified later in development. (Which complicates things based on the nature of how genetic mutations work). But that's a lot to get into at this moment and I'll spare you that rant because maker I could go on.

If the oldest the batch could be is 12, that would mean their got their mutations at age 2 (4) at the earliest. However, I feel like there is an emphasis on Omega being older than them, not the same age. We can infer the batch did not join the war right away because of the time of their introduction.

I feel it is more likely for the batch to be closer to 11 (22) by the end of the war. That would place them at 8 (16) years at the start of the war, and maybe they didn't make their debut in the war until a year later at 9 (18). This also puts Omega at a standard 4 years older, this makes the most sense because then she would be old enough to remember them being created and getting genetically enhanced during a time in development that's actually scientifically feasible.

If they were making their marks as extremely effective soldiers, who's to say they weren't rushed off to war prematurely. It is said in The Clone Wars that young clones were rushed into service before their 10-year training span was up, and the batch was likely a part of those groups.

[niobiumao3]

Another way TBB S3 was disappointing to me: Crosshair's redemption arc goes into how loyalty is one of his big motivators, yet Tech's loyalty to him when he insisted they go after Crosshair and subsequently was lost on that same mission is NOT ONCE BROUGHT UP.

The number of ways the emotional impact of Tech's death is just flat out ignored is really grating to me and it's why I struggle to enjoy the season at all. Not even just his absence--though ofc that sucks too--but that his absence is only felt as a series of missing skills and in random asides. Where's Crosshair feeling especially raw over the fact that the moment Tech knew Cross was still loyal to them he was ready to come and fetch him, and died trying?

Never not going to be bitter about all the emotional beats which were thoroughly and completely ignored.

[archivistofnerddom]

I’d love a short about Omega being a teenager on Pabu — and she’s just a normal teenager dealing with puberty, hormones, normal teenage melodrama, and her brothers just being so embarrassing and the absolute worst!

Hunter is also there, but he’s having a protracted anxiety attack and existential crisis because what happened to his sweet, curious, and compassionate (and mildly chaotic) little sister?

Crosshair and Wrecker get to be the peanut gallery and provide updates on this family drama to Echo. (He thinks it’s hysterical.) The only reasons they avoided Hunter’s meltdown are because they found Tech’s notes about what to expect during human puberty and because they actually listened to Shep about the eventual pitfalls of parenting a teenager.

[stars-n-spice]

Things my family said after I forced them to watch the Bad Batch Clone Wars arc with me because it was my birthday:

This was the first time ever that my mom watched Bad Batch and did not ask me who Wrecker was or why I have a crush on him lmao

My mom: "Why do they age like that?" - "They white-washed the clones." - "Oh."

A clone would pop up on the screen and my sister would go, "Crosshair?" or like,, try and get their names right and then get all happy when I said she was correct

Tech spoke and my mom burst out laughing and looked right at me - "He seems very familiar."

"Crosshair has HAIR?!?" <- one of my sisters who has seen these episodes repeatedly because I always watch them

My brother asked if Rex was going through a breakup and if that's why he's blonde - then he asked "Oh, he's Anakin's bro though, right?" And when I confirmed it he was he went, "Oh, nvm. That makes sense." Which ???? Hello??

He ALSO asked if it was canon that Hunter was very hairy??? Because in his mind,, if he was really hairy that's why he has good senses - like how the hairs in our ear pick up sound or something??? And then said if he made fanart of Hunter he would make him very hairy. Which,, I completely approve of and want to see more of.

Every time one of the Bad Batch would do or say something one of my siblings (out of the four I have) would say something along the lines of - "Autism." Or "Oh my god they're so autistic." - They said this the most with Tech and Wrecker though, but Crosshair was a close third.

When Crosshair did that little shot with putting the Firepuncher on Tech's shoulder my sister was impressed - "Oh, that was smooth."

And then everyone made fun of Hunter for taking off on the grappling hook, firing at the Poletec and missing (My mom: "Yeah, shoot at it so it drops you a hundred feet from the ground, that's real smart"), and then fucking falling off of it

When Crosshair was goading Rex about Echo my mom was like "Why did he come if he's going to act like this?" And I told her, "He's a little bitch." And she burst out laughing.

Then when Rex, Crosshair, and Wrecker were fighting my dad was like "😧 so violent!"

My mom didn't believe Rex in thinking Echo was alive - she kept going, "I don't know..." and then they opened the stasis chamber and she was like "😮 omg he was right."

They all collectively felt bad for Echo after seeing him for the first time - "Oh, THAT'S why he looks like that 😦. That's inhumane." <- my sister who would make fun of him every time he saw him

He'd turn around or something and show off all the holes and they would flinch and cringe :(

Then my brother and sister started talking about accessorizing him and putting flowers and stuff in those holes :( which I thought was sweet

And my mom kept yelling at Tech to "UNPLUG HIM ALREADY!!!!"

My mom kept saying that someone needed to get Echo some pants - "Mom, I don't think they brought pants on the mission." - "So? Anakin has like three layers! He can give him some clothes!"

She also kept saying "me duele la cabeza" every time Echo touched his head

My sister called Hunter a "femboy" after he did his little head roll he does after taking out those droids - which,, uh,, okay?? sure I guess???

And my brother called either Crosshair or Hunter gay at one point for like,, no reason I mean,, obvious reasons but I cannot remember when or why he said that

They kept asking why they didn't get shot at all and kept giving the droids shit about being useless

My mom about Tech being like 🤓☝🏽: "Why does he do that? Does the finger do anything?? Does it get the information out faster??" - My brother: "It's his antenna." - My mom: *bursts out laughing*

every time Mace Windu was on the screen they would complain about his design - "Why'd they make him look like E.T?" <- my dad

They did not like Admiral Trench at all - thought he was gross

They thought Wrecker and Crosshair one upping each other was funny

Also also - My Mom: "Crosshair can shoot again?" <- she watched s3 with me (without seeing any prior bad batch episodes) - "Yeah, he doesn't have trauma yet." - "Oh."

"It must be so fun to be a part of a group with zero brain cells." <- my brother about the Bad Batch

It was funny because they'd ask questions of like "how" and "why" literally seconds before the characters themselves would ask the questions and then go like "THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING ANAKIN!!"

There was probably more shit they said but that's all I remember off the top of my head.

Also here are some things I noticed that I hadn't before:

Crosshair is a fucking DIVA. Holy shit?? It's so weird to go from s3 Crosshair to TCW s7 Crosshair because they feel like two different people. For some reason he seemed really young to me? Like I know that the Bad Batch are all technically supposed to be the same age and Crosshair is just the "youngest" but for some reason he REALLY seems like the youngest in TCW. Like to the point where he seems ACTUALLY a few years younger than the rest of them. Like if all of them are supposed to be 26(ish) he felt like he was 24 or something because he was being a little teenage brat like,, holy shit.

Like you have Hunter kinda acting like his interpreter and explaining his behavior and whatnot and then you have Wrecker who is always looking out for him and ready to square up and fight for him whenever Crosshair pushes buttons, and it just really makes it seem like Crosshair is truly the youngest. And not even like in terms of "coming out the tube last" or whatever, but like,, in a regular family dynamic he seemed a few years younger than the rest of them.

Idk if that makes sense,, but like,, he was acting like a teenage brat or something and it made him seem so much younger than he is??

After Rex gives the speech to the Poletec to convince them to join the fight, Crosshair goes "UGH" and Dee Bradley Baker put so much sass and disgust into it - I was fucking dying,, holy shit.

Also my mom and brother pointed out that Wrecker flips over the gunship with ONE hand and I wasn't able to function for a good while. Max.exe stopped working because I realized they were RIGHT and oh my god oh my god oh my god-

ALSO!! ECHO HAD EARS THIS ENTIRE TIME AND I THINK WE JUST COLLECTIVELY FORGOT??

I mean,, I say "we" but maybe it was just me - but like,, I remember when Echo took off his helmet in s3 when he was infiltrating Tantiss and everyone collectively lost their shit

BUT LIKE!! AFTER THEY RESCUE HIM AND HE HAS HIS LITTLE JUMPSUIT THINGY HE HAS HIS EARS!!

Idk - I think my family thought I was crazy because all of a sudden I started to shout "HE'S HAD EARS THIS WHOLE TIME?!?" in the middle of an episode

[laughhardrunfastbekindsblog]

I've occasionally come across the opinion that Bad Batch is lacking in character development because there isn't significant "tension" between all the main characters - to be more specific, when people sharing this opinion give examples of what could have been done better, the examples seem to boil down to thinking Hunter and Echo and Tech and Wrecker and even Omega all should have butted heads more often, and because they didn't there wasn't much in the way of character growth.

While increased tension and conflict between all the CF99 members certainly could have been used as a way to drive development and could have made for some interesting dynamics/storylines, I don't think this narrative direction would have improved the story or the character growth (probably wouldn't have made it worse on balance, either, just different).

In my opinion, the fact that the squad is and largely remains such a tight-knit, cohesive group of brothers is CRUCIAL in highlighting both the depth of Crosshair's betrayal and explaining why the majority of the group sticks together in the aftermath of the war. Not only that, but the fact that the brothers DO generally get along so well together despite occasional spats/bickering and differences of opinion ultimately reveals a lot about their individual traits and personalities and loyalties.

Take, for example, the minor tension we are shown between Tech and Wrecker in "Aftermath" during the battle simulation. Wrecker moans about hand signals, Tech points out that Wrecker should memorize them, Wrecker says Tech should do it himself, Tech says he already has (duh). Now, this argument very well could have escalated, ending with Wrecker feeling hurt and angry for Tech belittling him and Tech being irritated that Wrecker apparently won't push himself to know something as critically important as hand signals; but it doesn't. Instead, Tech explains the plan in terms Wrecker will understand, Wrecker instantly is on board, and the battle is won with no grudges being held or even alluded to thereafter. Not only does this show how professional the squad is in battle, but also shows that off the battlefield Tech and Wrecker, opposites of each other in so many ways, both love each other enough and are both low-drama enough that they don't allow these personality differences to drag down their relationship. The same principles of using the characters' synergy/cooperation instead of conflict to highlight their personalities and growth apply to Hunter/Echo, Hunter/Wrecker, Tech/Echo... The list goes on.

Now, I do believe the show could have afforded to be much more explicit about the impact Crosshair's departure had on the squad, which would have helped make some characterization and development more apparent - the hints are there, but they tend to be TOO subtle. And don't get me started on how Tech's fall was handled (that will likely always be a sore spot for me, especially since it is such a glaring oversight in an otherwise brilliant story). But I don't think the story would have been "better" if the impact of events such as Crosshair's betrayal and Tech's sacrifice had involved the squad becoming dysfunctional, fighting amongst themselves more often, and falling further apart as a family.

Basically, I think the show establishing Clone Force 99 as a squad/family who, despite the odds, actually finds a way to work together (generally speaking) and help each other and respect each other's decisions even when they disagree serves as an excellent way to emphasize the growth that comes from all the other conflicts they have to navigate.

[smolbean-17]

Fellow Whump Enthusiasts!

I am making a list of all the shown (shown, not implied!) on screen physical whump moments throughout the show for the boys (no Omega cuz she’s just a baby) and I need your help! For fic inspo, and maybe even a future video compilation if you guys would like.

If you can think of any moment that I’ve overlooked, even if it’s just a wince or a smack or even exhaustion or anything like that, let me know! This is what I have so far for each character in order of who gets injured in the most episodes (Wrecker is whumped in more eps than Crosshair, but Hunter and Crosshair seem to be almost tied for most actual whump moments total)

Hunter (whumped in 18 eps)

S1E1: Winded and knocked to his knees by blaster

S1E3: Attacked by creature

Suffocating and passing out

Waking up panicked and disoriented

S1E4: Head-butted and knocked out by Fennec Shand

Stumbling/wincing as he comes to

S1E5: Electrocuted by net gun and passing out

Electrocuted by whip

Flinching due to electric sensitivity

S1E7: Beat up by Wrecker (full extent of injuries unknown)

Choked and knocked out by Wrecker

S1E8: Shot in the chest by Cad Bane and passing out

Bacta shot administered

Waking up disoriented and in pain

S1E9: Moments of wincing/hurt throughout ep

Omega head-butting his blaster wound

S1E14: Falling down a mountain hitting trees and rocks along the way

Passing out from fall (full extent of injuries unknown)

S1E15: Punched in the stomach by Crosshair

S1E16: Knocked out by explosion on Kamino

Clutching head as he wakes up

S2E1: Exhaustion from running

S2E5: Overall exhaustion throughout ep

S2E16: Broken ribs and arm from rail car collision

Exhaustion running after Omega

S3E5: Falling through the ice and getting knocked out

Clutching his hurt shoulder

S3E8: Dragged and thrashed under water by space gator

Choked by mantis

S3E9: Beat up by Ventress

S3E11: Exhaustion and coughing from swimming

S3E15: Injured and knocked out by explosion (full extent of injuries unknown)

Tortured with electricity by Hemlock (full extent of damage unknown)

Passing out from torture

Staggering/disoriented and groaning in pain the rest of the ep

Wrecker (whumped in 12 eps)

S1E1: Shot in shoulder by droid

Shot in shoulder again by Crosshair

Hypo shot administered

Groaning in pain throughout ep

S1E3: Knocked head against restraints

S1E4: Thrown and knocked out by Fennec Shand

S1E5: Knocked out by creature

Electrocuted by shock collar

Hit by electric whip

S1E6: Hit head in battle

Painful headaches

S1E7: More painful headaches

Stunned by Rex

Inhibitor Chip surgery

S1E16: Knocked out by explosion on Kamino

S2E16: Hurt neck and chest from rail car collision

Stunned by troopers

S3E9: Beat up by Ventress

Force choked by Ventress

S3E11: Injured and knocked out from explosion (full extent of injuries unknown)

S3E14: Clawed by creature

S3E15: Electrocuted in wound by electrostaff

Passing out from injuries

Disoriented and groaning in pain throughout the rest of ep

Crosshair (whumped in 10 eps)

S1E1: Knocked out by Caleb

Painful headaches throughout ep

Unpleasant chip enhancement

S1E3: More chip enhancement

S1E8: Severely burned face and head by ion engine (full extent of injuries unknown)

Disoriented and in pain the rest of ep

S1E15: More headaches

Thrown by Hunter

Stunned by Hunter

S1E16: Nearly drowning

More headaches

S2E12: Temporarily blinded by explosion

Suffering potential hypothermia

Passing out from cold and exhaustion

S2E14: Tortured by IT-O droid

Suffocated and knocked out by Hemlock’s poison gas

S3E7: Beat up by CX-2

Nearly drowned by CX-2

S3E9: Beat up by Ventress

S3E15: Hand cut off by CX-2

Passing out from amputation

Stump medical treatment

Staggering/disoriented and in pain the rest of the ep

Tech (whumped in 6 eps)

S1E1: Punched by clone in food fight

Knocked down and injured by droids and unable to get up (extent of injuries unknown)

S1E5: Electrocuted by net gun and passing out

S1E7: Choked out and thrown into wall by Wrecker (full extent of injuries unknown)

S1E16: Knocked out by explosion on Kamino

S1E2: Femur broken by crate

Groaning and limping in pain throughout the rest of the ep

Falling to the ground in pain

S2E16: Fell to his death saving his family

Echo (whumped in 5 eps)

S1E1: Knocked out by lunch tray

Waking up panicked and disoriented

S1E5: Hit off of building and knocked out

Electrocuted by shock collar

S1E7: Thrown and knocked out by Wrecker

S1E16: Knocked out by explosion on Kamino

S3E15: Stabbed in the back of the shoulder by CX Trooper

—————————————————————————

Wow I didn’t realize just how much these boys went through in the course of just a few seasons!

I still feel like I’m missing a lot, so let me know if you think of anything I’ve missed and I’ll update the list!

[saggitary]

Slightly controversial opinion but when the Bad Batch made their debut in Season 7 of TCW, I did not like them.

Over time I fell in love with them but when they were first introduced I just straight up didn’t like them.

Now the reasoning for my initial dislike actually why I think a lot of people loved them. They were new, they were obnoxious, and they were different.

For 7 seasons we learned to love our clone troopers, they were funny, they all have their own personalities and they've overcome the fact that despite them being clones, they are all so different.

Then this new squad of troopers show up that, let's be honest, look literally nothing like the other clones, and they are rude to the other troopers. They refer to the other troopers as Regs and seem to look down on them.

Crosshair repeatedly made comments about working with regs or leaving Echo behind because 'He's only a reg.' They didn't seem to view the other clone troopers as brothers and instead more like how natborns view them.

This was especially grating after what the 501st and the 212th went through on Umbara. We saw an example of someone that just views the troopers as someone beneath them and we saw how the troopers fought to overcome this and be seen as people, not just numbers.

So no, when we are first introduced to The Bad Batch, I didn't like them. Once we got to know them better I really did fall in love with them. Crosshair took me till S3 to like but even he grew on me.

[heyclickadee]

Just gonna throw out there that Hunter’s response to Omega refusing to accept Hunter’s word that Tech didn’t make it and yelling, “No! Tech’s not gone! He can’t be!” is, “I know, kid.”

Which, of course, in the moment it’s his heart breaking for Omega. He knows how hard it is, he knows how much it hurts.

But if Tech is alive, and if Hunter maybe knows that Tech reached the ground alive, at least, but still had to leave him, and we find that out at some point later? Then that response reads completely differently, and it hits like a sack of bricks.

[eohippuu]

My personal headcanon as to why Tech is the only one without facial hair is that it’s a sensory thing for him but Tech being bullied by Hunter for not being able to grow a beard is also funny

[wickedwitchofthesouth]

If there were a teen wolf and spn cross over episode Dean and stiles would literally turn into father son reflections of each other. I mean you CANT TELL ME DEAN WOULDNT INSTANTLY ADOPT STILES their undying love for their cars, junk food, 80s rock, and almost blinding bisexuality would literally turn them into instant best friends UGHDUENSKSMSKKS THEY WOULD GET A LONG SO WELL UGHHSUDNEOQMSK I can't live in a world without a stiles and Dean crossover episode

Someone get me a fan fic IM LITERALLY DYING FOR THIS I HAVE SO MANY IDEAS

[archivistofnerddom]

Hilarious Rebels/Bad Batch crossover idea:

Everyone is chilling on Yavin 4 in a rare moment of peace. They’re enjoying this little respite to rest and recover. The Spectres is enjoying their time together, especially since they were able to get Rex and Kallus outside to enjoy some fresh air around the Ghost.

And then a heavily-modified Omicron class shuttle from the late Republic and early Empire era comes in for a hasty landing. It’s an . . . unusual approach to say the least, complete with a specific turn and a touch-down that few pilots would dare to attempt.

Everyone, especially the Spectres, are interested in what this means.

Hera remembers this ship and what its occupants did to help Ryloth during the early Imperial period. Kanan gets leery, by contrast, since he remembers Kaller.

And Rex just laughs, gets up, and casually strolls over to the shuttle.

When the shuttle opens, a blonde woman emerges from inside like a bat out of hell, rushing over to hug Rex. He is equally as excited to see her, retuning that big hug with equal enthusiasm. The spectators can hear the gonking of a GNK droid echoing from inside.

The woman is wearing an amalgamation of several different clone trooper armor pieces with some unique adaptations. Zeb is the first to comment on the massive knife attached to her thigh and the smaller one sheathed on her forearm. Kallus responds with an observation about the Zygerrian bow she’s carrying. (Using that weapon takes practice and skill.) Ezra is intrigued by the unique design of the helmet she’s carrying, especially with the skull motif on it.

Before anyone can ask who this woman is or how she found the Rebellion, Rex asks, “So, why do you need a cover story when your brothers call me in a huff?”

The woman grins and pulls out a ratty old red bandana from a pouch on her hip. (She’s got more pouches than seem necessary on her person, but she seems to know what is where.) That makes Rex howl with laughter.

“It was either this or Echo’s legs . . . and I already stole those as a prank three times,” the woman replies. “This was harder to steal honestly, but it was completely worth it!”

“This is why you’re my favorite sister, ‘Megs. I haven’t seen Hunter without that thing on in . . . maybe since Bracca actually. You know he’s going to call me to see if I know where you are, right?” Rex tells her.

Neither seem to notice the audience growing around them. With that landing and the age of the shuttle, how could there not be an audience? If they do notice their audience, they clearly don’t care. Their reunion is more important to them to worry about that.

The woman gives Rex a sly smirk. “Of course, he will. And you get to witness first hand the annoyance of Hunter with a terrible haircut. Cross pulled out the clippers again while Hunter was napping.”

That seems to make Rex’s day.

“Don’t tell me what new haircut he got. I want to be surprised.” Rex finally deigns to notice the group watching him. The Ghost crew especially seem fascinated by who this woman is. He slings an around her shoulder and asks, “Why is everyone so interested in my sister all of a sudden? You haven’t seem siblings reunite before?”

“We didn’t know you have a sister,” Sabine asks carefully. (She’s fascinated by the modifications to the shuttle. There’s no way it should be in as good condition as it is at its age.)

The woman shakes her head. “Hera did. She’s met our brothers and my squad before.”

Hera grins and laughs. “I have. It’s great to see you again, Omega. How are your brothers, by the way.”

“Oh fantastic. I’ll tell you about what they’re up to over dinner, if that’s okay with you. Rex should be getting a very annoyed call any time now from Pabu. Hunter will have looked in the mirror by now. I promised Tech and Wrecker I’d record Rex’s reaction,” the newly-named Omega says.

And that’s when Kanan finally finds his words.

“How the kriff are Rex and Clone Force 99 your brothers? They’re clones - male clones,” he asks, a myriad of emotions in his voice.

Omega sighs. This isn’t the first time that she’s had this conversation.

“Well, let’s just say some of us are little . . . deviant from the standard mold,” she replies. “Though, we prefer to be called the Bad Batch.”

[yeehawgeek]

watching the pabu episode and screaming because i know that the batch will likely never experience any such peace ever again

[archivistofnerddom]

This man and his mighty need to info dump!

Bonus points for Echo for his priceless reactions. He’s clearly still getting used to the Tech rambles. However, that doesn’t stop him from immediately clearing enough space for Tech to sit down so that he doesn’t accidentally squash Omega.

Tech pushing people aside to explain things

The Clone Wars 7.01 The Bad Batch | The Bad Batch 1.02 Aftermath | 1.06 Decommissioned