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Across the Galaxy: Chapter 7

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings given before certain chapters)

“Oh god.” I forced my eyelids open at the feeling of the sunrise shining down on me. I was upside down in my bed, blankets tangled between my legs and I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I shivered as the breeze from the open window caressed my bare shoulders, trying to orient myself. I stumbled into the bathroom, turning on the shower and waiting for the water to get warm while I peeked in the mirror. My hair was all over the place, faint circles under my eyes and I winced inwardly. Once in the shower, I scrubbed all over my body and washed my hair, closing my eyes at the warm stream of water trickling down my head and back. 

Feeling clean and fresh, I finally got myself together and left home, heading towards Lower Pabu where the docks were already busy with the early morning fishermen hauling in their first catches of the day. The familiar shadow of the Marauder on one of the lower landing bays crossed my path and I saw Wrecker loading cargo into the cargo hold. As soon as he saw me, his face broke out into a huge smile and he dropped his box with a thud, rushing for me head on. 

“Morning!” He laughed, “Glad to see you woke up on the other side!” “Not so loud, Wrecker, please.” I winced but couldn’t help but return his smile, his cheerful demeanor was so contagious. “Where is everyone?” “Tech and Phee are somewhere around the market getting rations for the trip. Echo and Omega are still on Upper Pabu and Hunter should be around here somewhere.” 

I patted Wrecker on the shoulder as I walked past him up the gangplank of the Marauder, ducking my head slightly and letting my eyes adjust to the dimmer lights of the ship. A familiar figure stood in the cockpit, reaching high for supplies on an upper shelf, the action pulling muscles taut underneath the armor. A slight change in Hunter’s body language and I knew he had heard me enter, turning around and focusing his dark eyes on me as I made my way to the cockpit. 

“Sleep well?” Hunter questioned, lips tilted in amusement as he looked down at me. 

“Thanks to whoever brought me back home in one piece, yes.” I searched his face as something deep with feeling crossed over his expression but he said nothing. “Thank you for bringing me home and for, well…everything that happened after that.” 

“You remember?”

I nodded, thinking about how Hunter had gently ushered me back into bed after I had begged him to stay on Pabu. Thinking about how his lips felt pressed against my forehead and how warm his hands had felt gripping my arms. 

“You were right to reject me, you know.” I added, “Not the most romantic circumstances.” “You do understand that I said no out of respect for you.” Hunter asked, his eyes searching mine, “Not because I didn’t want to kiss you.”

I felt warmth spread from my cheeks to my stomach and suddenly his gaze was too intense. I dropped my eyes, blinking at his boots and watching as they stepped closer to me and I felt his thumb and index finger gently tipping my chin up.  

“Yes, I know.” I said softly, feeling suddenly paralyzed at the proximity between us. 

“You told me something last night.” Hunter’s voice was low, so deep that I could feel the vibrations from his chest, “You said you were falling in love with me.” 

I caught my breath, remembering but no feelings of regret or embarrassment came with the memory. If anything, I was glad I had finally put it out there in the open, the feelings and the quick glances, the long walks on the beach, the occasional hand in the small of my back helping me up stairs, and the heart-stopping passion behind the dark brown eyes. I could only nod in affirmation. 

“I’m a…complicated man, Iona.” Hunter continued, raising his right hand to cup my cheek gently as I relaxed into his touch. “I have a squad, my brothers. I have Omega to think about. Bounty hunters, clones, not to mention the Empire have it out for us.” “I know.” “We’re still tied to Cid paying off debts and running from one corner of the galaxy to the other just trying to make ends meet.” “I know.” “Everywhere we go, the smoke of war and ruin follow us.” “I know that too.” “Then why?” He is so close to me now, his head bowed slightly with the bridge of his nose almost touching mine. My back is pushed against the wall of the cockpit but I’m filled with warmth as Hunter cradles me with his body, so close to touching but not quite. “Why do you love me?”

I placed my hands on either side of his hips, noting the way the clone’s chest rose and fell with the motion. With a gentle tug, I pulled him closer to me, our eyes never breaking eye contact. 

“Because you are the most kind, generous, protective man I have ever met.” I paused, watching as Hunter’s eyes softened at my words, silent as I continued, “I used to wake up cold and empty inside, wondering if I was going to make it to the next day. I had no one. I was no one. And now I wake up wondering when I will get to see you next and when we’ll be able to talk to each other again. I see you in the city square and I don’t know if I remember how to breathe. One touch of your hand in mine and everything I know about the world flies out of my head.” 

Hunter lowers his mouth onto mine before the last word leaves my lips, his kiss consuming my entire body and being. At first it is gentle, as if he is pouring all the unspoken words his heart had whispered into this one action. Then it turns even more heated and desperate, making me reach blindly for his shoulders for something stable to hold on to as I keep up with his lips, kissing him back hard. His throat vibrates with the low moan that rumbles out of his chest, tilting my chin up and deepening our kiss. When his lips finally leave mine, I open my eyes to see that his eyes are dark, pupils blown wide in desire as he looks down at me. 

“I’ve been dreaming about kissing you for weeks.” Hunter murmurs, his thumb running across my bottom lip, “I never imagined it would be like this.” 

“Can you-“ I’m breathless and he waits patiently for me to catch my breath, “I need you to kiss me again.”

Hunter’s lips tilt and he chuckles, the kiss he gives me is slow and exploratory as he takes his time familiarizing his lips with mine. His hands reach up to cup my face, cradling my head gently but firmly holding it in place as he deepens the kiss. I let my hands drop from his shoulders, running down his chest and settling on his hips as I let Hunter take control. Over and over again, he kisses me with each one stronger and more passionate than the last. When Hunter finally pulls away, all I can do is look up at him with bright eyes, reveling in our closeness. 

“Iona-“ Hunter pauses, turning his head as the sound of footsteps pattering makes him take a step back slightly, angling his body to see who is coming up the gangplank. 

“Well, if it isn’t Dark and Broody getting dark and dirty.” The familiar, rich voice of Phee echoed in the Marauder. She crossed her arms over her chest, a wide grin spreading over her face. “About time you two starry-eyed lovers stopped gawking at each other and did something about it.” 

“Hey Phee,” I stepped back, lowering my hands from Hunter’s neck and resting them on his chest plate, “Where’s Omega?” 

“Helping Tech load up the back cargo hold with supplies. Don’t worry, the little lady won’t catch you two snooking.” The pirate winked hard, causing a light shade of pink to flush under Hunter’s tan skin. We waited until Phee ducked back outside before our eyes met again. 

“So.” 

“So.” I repeated, smiling softly at the clone. His eyes had a gleam of affection as he looked down at me. 

“We’d better get moving before my brothers get curious and start looking for us.” Hunter replied, not budging an inch. 

“That’s a good idea.” I agreed, staying exactly where I was standing, my left leg between his, with hands reaching up to hold his cheeks. 

Hunter chuckled, dipping his head down to plant another slow, warm kiss to my lips. I closed my eyes and let his scent, his warmth fill my senses and I kissed him back. Nobody came looking for us.

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Across the Galaxy: Chapter 6

Hunter x OC 18+ (Warnings given before certain chapters)

My eyes snapped open for what felt like the fifth time, my feet in autopilot as I walked down the winding stone pathways of Upper Pabu. Hunter was holding me by the elbow, gently guiding me and occasionally shaking me whenever he sensed my eyelids begin to droop.

“Just let me go to sleep.” I groaned, my foot catching on a loose stone before I stumbled. Hunter stopped, swiftly grabbing my shoulders and catching me before I was about to faceplant. I rested my forehead against his chest, smushing my cheek against his right breastplate, “This feels good.”

“We’re in the middle of the street, Iona.” Hunter’s voice chided gently, “We’ve got a little way to go.”

“Can’t you carry me?” I mumbled, halfway kidding. Hunter paused before he moved, making me protest as I felt myself sliding away from his warm chest. Then the world spun as I felt strong arms slip underneath my knees and the dark-haired clone grunted slightly, adjusting me in his arms as he carried me bridal-style. His footsteps never wavered as he walked the rest of the way, boots crunching on the rocks as he made his way to my house. I put my arms around his neck, nestling my face into the convenient space between his shoulder and his neck. I felt his breathing stutter when he felt my cheek against his throat but he said nothing, letting the sound of the waves hitting the beach fill the silence. 

One of Hunter’s hands slipped out from underneath me and I heard the sound of my front door activating. Warmth from the lamp I had left on the table flooded the room and I let my head lull back to the rhythm of his footsteps.

“I’ll be right outside the door.” Hunter said softly, letting me down slowly until my feet hit the floor. I grabbed his shoulders as I regained my balance and he looked down at me, something indiscernible in his gaze. 

“Can you cover your ears so you can’t hear me pee?” I heard myself asking and he chuckled, making me wish he would laugh more and bless me with that rich sound. 

“Call out if you need help.” Hunter stepped outside my bathroom door, closing it but leaving a sliver of space in case he needed to return. I wrestled myself out of the crimson dress, nearly tripping as I kicked out of it. I made my way to the toilet and relieved myself, resting my head on my hands before pushing my shorts back up. 

As I was washing my hands, I looked up at my reflection and winced. The hair that had been pulled back had escaped, my curls encircling my jawline and around my ears. My face was flushed pink and my lips were red, eyes bright from alcohol. I dried my hands and opened the door the rest of the way, searching for the leader of the Bad Batch. Hunter’s back was to me facing the kitchen, his hands slipped into his pockets casually with his right leg bent slightly at the knee. He turned at the sound of the door opening and I couldn’t help but notice the quick flick of his eyes trailing down my body before he looked at me, 

“Feeling better?” 

I nodded, stumbling forward before his hands held my shoulders gently, guiding me upstairs to my room. I fell into my bed, sitting up and swinging my legs on the edge of the bed as I watched him slide his hands back into his pockets, taking a brief look around my room as he took a step back from me.

“How come you’re not drunk?” I blurted out, “I was keeping up with you and Tech pretty well.” “Years of practice.” Hunter chuckled, looking down at me as the moonlight highlighted his prominent, tattooed cheekbones, “I was a pretty wild cadet, if you can believe that.” 

A sudden vision of a teenage Hunter in the white and gray suit of a clone trainee flashed before my eyes and I crossed my legs under me, peering up at the sergeant. 

“You know, when I pictured you in my bedroom, it wasn’t you babysitting my drunk ass.” The words fell from my lips before I could stop them. Hunter’s eyebrows shot up, his hazel eyes wide in surprise at my comment before a neutral expression crossed over his face. 

“I should probably go.” He leaned over, pushing me back slightly so I was lying down and reaching to pull my blankets to cover me, “Omega is most likely bouncing off the walls right now.” “Alright.” I settled into the cool sheets, tucking the blankets under my chin as I looked up at the clone. “Thank you for carrying me home.” Hunter’s lips tilted in a small smile, his eyes softened as he straightened, “Well, considering that you could barely walk, I didn’t really have a choice now did I?” Even through his teasing tone, I could see the seriousness in his expression. Almost as if Hunter couldn’t help himself, he reached his hand and brushed it gently against my cheek, his thumb whispering over the skin in a touch that I didn’t know his war-built hands were capable of. “Sleep well, Iona.”

As quickly as it had happened, his hand was gone and the sergeant was turning towards the stairs, his boots scarcely making a noise against the stone. Before I could stop myself, I was sliding out of bed, wincing at the cold of the floor against my bare feet as I ran down the stairs. 

“Hunter!” 

At the sound of my voice, he turned swiftly, arms automatically raising to halt me as I hurtled towards him in a near tumble. 

“Get back in bed, you’ll freeze-” “Please don’t leave tomorrow.” I interrupted him, looking up and meeting his gentle eyes, “You don’t have to keep working for Cid.” “Iona-”

“You could stay here with your brothers and Omega in Pabu,” My voice lowered to a whisper, pleading with him to listen to me, “You could be safe here.”

Hunter’s hands were encircling my wrists but he let me reach up, hands cupping his cheeks as I took a tentative step forward, scarcely daring to breathe, 

“I-I’m falling in love with you, Hunter.” I said so quietly that I knew even he had to concentrate to hear with his enhanced senses. His chest stuttered as he inhaled sharply, his brow furrowing as conflict, relief, then a heated fire lit in the depths of his amber eyes. Hunter let his left hand drop from my wrist to my waist, pulling me gently towards him as his head tilted down, gaze dropping to my lips briefly. My eyes fluttered closed, I could feel the warmth of his face close to mine and the tip of his strong nose bumping my own ever so slightly. Then, he moved and I felt him press his lips against my forehead in a steady, slow kiss. I looked up at him, confused, and saw the torture in his expression as he whispered roughly back, 

“You’re drunk, Iona. I can’t let our first kiss be while you’re drunk.” 

Damn Hunter and his sparkling character. 

“I don’t care.” I whispered back, resting my hands on his shoulders as Hunter kept me close in his embrace. “You will in the morning.” He pressed his cheek against mine, cradling me close to his chest in a hug that I knew came from the depths of his heart. The slight roughness of his stubble against my skin made me shiver, wanting to feel it more and all over. As if he sensed my thoughts, Hunter withdrew and lifted me in his arms, carrying me back upstairs as I melted into him. Once again, he tucked me in and picked up my hand, kissing each of my fingers tenderly. 

“Sleep, Iona.” He murmured, “You have our comm channel if you need anything.”

I watched him disappear into the night before flopping back onto my pillow, the movement making my head swim and I groaned. The last thing I saw before I drifted off into sleep was the memory of how Hunter had looked at me when I tried to kiss him. 

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Across the Galaxy: Chapter 5

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings given before certain chapters)

Please feel free to comment! They make my day.

Omega tapped her foot impatiently, her warm eyes shifting to look at me as we made eye contact. She gave a good-natured eye roll as she listened to Hunter kneeling beside her to give her instructions. 

“I know.” She interrupted, “Stay with Shep and Lyana, don’t leave without comming you first, don’t let strangers inside the house, and go to bed.” 

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, little miss.” Hunter rebuked gently, “All we are trying to do is keep you safe.” “Yes sir.” Omega replied before resting her hands on his pauldrons. Hunter’s eyes softened as he looked at her, letting out a short chuckle before wrapping his right arm around her shoulders and bringing him to her in a hug. 

“Don’t wait up for us, there’s no telling how late we’re going to be.” He instructed, straightening and focusing his attention on me. Omega gave me a huge hug, “Don’t let them intimidate you.” She whispered in my ear, “You’ll get through their initiation. Besides, Wrecker and Echo will take it easy on you because they want you on the squad so badly.” “Oh yeah?” I whispered back, “You saying that Tech and Hunter won’t pull their punches?” “Tech is too by the book. And Hunter won’t compromise the unity of the squad by compromising on an initiation.” Omega darted a quick glance at her oldest brother whose back was turned, waiting for me outside the main door. “Even if he does like you a lot.”

I was surprised at that last comment. Echo had sometimes had a knowing glint in his expression when he saw us on our daily walks but Omega had been the first one to confirm my suspicions that maybe there was something more to what Hunter and I were letting on. Maybe we were close friends now; I couldn’t let my imagination run wild at the thought of us being something more. 

“Noted.” I pushed her blonde hair back from her forehead and pressed a quick kiss to her skin, lightly tapping her on the butt with my toe as she scurried off, “Now get out of here, you rascal.”

I joined Hunter outside and I noticed his quick, observant gaze drop down as he took in my clothes. I had moved away from my looser fitting, cool-toned colors and opted for a tunic that matched the red bandana  wrapped permanently around my right arm. Both Omega and I had commandeered some of Hunter’s old bandanas, an unspoken tangible attachment of the connection we had with Clone Force 99. Hunter had never indicated that he had noticed but now his eyes lingered on the fabric encircling my forearm and I saw the frown in his expression relax. 

“Ready?” He asked as I nodded. “I won’t take it easy on you, you know.” “Omega already warned me. I can handle it.”

Hunter’s eyes glimmered but he said nothing as we walked towards one of the local bars, his hand moving to guide my elbow towards the inside of the busy street. 

Hunter stood a little beyond the crowd of people that was watching Iona and Tech sitting at the bar, his arms folded across his chest with his stance slightly widened in his usual ready-to-go position. Iona had held on longer than he had expected, matching each of his brother’s in every challenge they presented to her. Tech slid a glass of neon green liquid across to Iona, raising his own glass and tapping it against hers lightly as he raised his voice over the din, “What is one of the class of shuttles used by the Confederacy of Independent Systems during the Clone Wars?” 

“What?” Iona sputtered, “Why would I even know that?” “Ten seconds.” “Tech-” “Nine seconds.” Tech said louder, his warm brown eyes glinting with amusement as Iona scrambled. 

“One of the class of shuttles used by the CIS is, uh, Sheathipede-class Type B?” 

Tech paused for a moment before lifting his glass and raising it to his lips, “That is correct.”

“HA!” Iona leapt up, nearly spilling her own cup as she hopped up and down on one foot in triumph, “That was the fifth answer I got right, I’ve passed!” “Fifth out of ten.” Tech added, coughing slightly as he put down the empty glass. The crowd roared and the bartender began pouring more shots into glasses across the glossy surface of her bartop. Iona lifted one hand up in the air as she drank her own glass, despite Tech’s protests that he had lost the question and that it was unnecessary for her to drink, as she had won. 

Hunter’s dark eyes dropped inadvertently down the length of her throat, watching as the liquid moved smoothly down as Iona drank. She finished her glass, shaking her hair back across her shoulders slightly and the movement caused warmth to spread from Hunter’s chest all the way down to his stomach as she turned, flashing him a bright smile. 

“Uh oh.” Wrecker shouted, pumping a fist in the air as Hunter walked slowly over, “Ten credits that you’re going to break under Sergeant’s tests, Iona!” Iona had a familiarly determined expression on her face, holding her ground as Hunter stopped right in front of her with his chin tilted down to look at her, 

“You’re on.” She replied to Wrecker confidently, her aqua eyes snapping with a fire that could not be extinguished. 

For a minute, Hunter and Iona stood with unbreaking eye contact and it was a game to see who would break first. Hunter could feel her heart racing, sense her pulse bounding as her chest lifted and sank with every deep breath she took. Her warm, familiar scent was somehow more enhanced with the heat of the bar and his body unconsciously leaned forward a degree, wanting to be closer. His arm brushed against hers and Iona’s eyebrows lifted briefly before she controlled her expression, doubling down stubbornly as her lips tightened in determination. Behind them, Wrecker whispered loudly to Echo, 

“Geez, is it getting hot in here to anyone else or what?”

Iona’s eyes shifted for a split second at Wrecker’s comment and Hunter took advantage of the distraction, his right hand flashing to the vibroblade strapped to the outside of his left forearm as the blade hummed to life. Iona moved just as quickly, ducking under his raised arm and rolling as the knife struck against the bar where she had been standing. Ignoring the screams of the crowd, Hunter turned around to find Iona with her own blade drawn in a ready position. 

“You’re going to have to be faster than that, Sergeant.” Iona called out, her fingers twirling the weapon in her left hand. Hunter let out a gruff chuckle before bending his knees slightly in a crouch, “Just seeing if you were paying attention.”

The next few minutes, Iona matched Hunter par for par, step by step, in a dangerous dance. Keeping in between the tables and chairs that had formed a make-shift arena, the two blocked and dodged each other’s movements perfectly in sync. Iona was as graceful as a deer, her long limbs moving seamlessly around every one of Hunter’s attacks and he felt a twinge of pride at the progress she had made from his lessons. 

“Come on, Hunter!” Echo called out from his seat on the countertop, “Stop pulling your punches.”

Hunter reached up, halting Iona’s descending blade with a firm grip on her wrist and he pulled her closer, twisting her arm behind her back as he pulled her into him. He rested his chin on her shoulder, watching as she turned her face to look at him backwards as she struggled to free her arm. 

“Omega said you wouldn’t take it easy on me.” Iona said breathlessly, her cheeks flushed in the dim lighting as she fought him. Hunter kept just enough of a grip to make sure her blade was incapacitated but not enough to hurt her. Years of strength and training had the clone very in tune with his own capabilities and the last thing he would have wanted was to physically harm her. 

“You’ve still got training wheels on.” He answered back, suddenly aware of how close she was to him, “You forget that I’ve used these blades for years.” “And you forget that I hate to lose.” Iona shot back before Hunter felt her wrist flex and his eyes dropped down between their bodies just in time to see her drop the blade from her left hand into her waiting right. At the same time, she twisted, making his thumb give way as she moved from his grip and attacked again. Hunter dodged, backing up half a step before meeting her blade with his own, the sound of metal on metal ringing throughout the bar as the audience roared. As quick as a flash, Hunter rotated his core and with an expert eye and with a flick of his wrist, his weapon left his fingers. It hummed through the air and with a thud, it pierced the handle of Iona’s knife and pinned it against the wall of the bar, quivering and handle-deep in the metal. The crowd screamed and rose from their chairs, the sound of glass clinking and individuals yelling for their winning bets echoed throughout the building but for Hunter and Iona, the noise was barely noticeable. 

Hunter didn’t even realize his feet were moving until he was toe to toe with the medic, looking down at her as she stared wide-eyed up at him. Almost as if she were in a daze, Iona followed the movement of his arm as he held out his hand to her. She took it, her fingers sliding around his wrist in their customary salute but this one felt different than any of their handshakes. The air between them hummed with energy and it was like Iona’s touch traveled from Hunter’s hand all the way down to his toes. 

“You did well.” He told her quietly, speaking close to her so she could hear over the noise, “Better luck next time?” “I know better than to try and beat you in combat.” Iona replied, “I guess it’s a good thing you’re on my side, huh?” Hunter gave her a sideways smile before turning to face the crowd, lifting her arm up with his, 

“We got another member of the team, boys.”

I had just enough time to take a deep breath before Wrecker scooped me up into his arms, lifting me high onto his shoulder in triumph. I grabbed his shoulder pauldron as far down as I could reach for stability, ducking so my head wouldn’t touch the ceiling as he paraded me up and down. Effortlessly, the huge clone set me back down on solid ground where Echo clapped me so hard on the back that the wind got knocked out of me. 

“Congratulations, cadet.” He grinned, “Welcome to the family.” “Thanks, Echo. Feel like another drink?” 

“Absolutely.” 

Tech had already ordered another round, adjusting his goggles as he gave me a proud smile, “I had no doubt that you would excel at whatever we threw at you. Even if you didn’t succeed all the time.” I rolled my eyes, “The day I best your brains is the day that hell will freeze over, Tech. Still, I appreciate the compliment.”

As the night went on, more patrons began to trickle out but the Bad Batch lingered, swapping stories and enjoying each other’s company. I was acutely aware of Hunter leaning against the bar behind me, the back of his arm against my back as his hands gripped the cool countertop. He made no move to remove his arm and I made no move to lean away; in a way, it was comforting to know that he was so close because he had been uncharacteristically quiet tonight. My eyelids started to get heavy and when I stood, my head felt swimmy and I had to reach blindly for the back of my chair as the dizziness kicked in.  

“Whoa there.” Hunter’s gravelly voice floated into my consciousness and I raised my head, looking into his concerned expression that had suddenly become fuzzy. “Sit back down, Iona.” “I have to pee.” I explained. “Really badly.” “I’ll take you then.” “You can’t follow me into the ladies’ room.”

A chuckle rumbled from Hunter’s chest and his hand still pressing against my back in between my shoulder blades was the only steady thing in the room currently. 

“I’ll bring you in and then leave.” He promised. 

“Judging off of her slurred words, imbalance, and reddened cheeks-” Tech had his visor lowered, peering at me curiously, “Iona is quite intoxicated at the moment. Perhaps it would be best if Hunter stayed with you while you relieved yourself.” “I am not peeing in front of Hunter.”

“Maybe it’s time to go home.” Echo offered, his gaze moving between the leader of his squad and the medic, “We can clean up here.”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” I agreed, thinking of the cool sheets and breeze floating through the open window in my bedroom. 

“Thanks, boys. I’ll comm if we need anything but for now, I’m going to bring Iona home.” “See you ladder, boss.” Wrecker smacked Hunter on the back but leaned down to give Iona a swift peck on the cheek, “Welcome to the Bad Batch, Iona.” Iona smiled slowly, her reaction time slower than normal as she reached for Wrecker and leaned her forehead against his chestplate in an affectionate headbutt, “G’night Wrecker.”

“Come on, now.” Hunter gently herded her out the door, keeping a steadying hand on her back as the cool Pabu air hit their faces. “Let’s get you home.” 

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Across the Galaxy: Chapter 4

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings will be given before certain chapters)

“Gonky, please!” I pleaded from where I was lying flat on my back underneath the stocky droid, “Please just hold still while I try and figure out this mess.” 

Gonky honked indignantly, shifting on its two thick feet in protest as I dropped the light I had been holding between my teeth, both hands wrist-deep in wires. I swore quietly, turning my head to watch my flashlight roll with the movement of the ship before a familiar boot halted its course. Goggles peered at me as Tech settled on his hands and knees to fully see me struggling underneath their stubborn power droid. 

“I believe this is yours.” Tech handed me the flashlight and I leaned my head out, opening my mouth. His eyebrows knit, recoiling slightly, “I do not think it is appropriate for you to hold a flashlight with your teeth. Perhaps if you could free one of your hands.”

“My hands are currently embedded into Gonky’s insides. If I remove my right hand, he shuts off for God knows how long and if I remove my left, there is a high possibility that I could be electrocuted and then you would have to perform CPR. Would you like to perform CPR on me today, Tech?”

Tech placed the flashlight between my teeth wordlessly and I popped back under the droid, squinting as I worked. 

“What’s she doing?” Omega’s voice joined from above and Tech replied, 

“Iona is currently trying to maximize the amount of power that our droid can store in order to make it easier to charge and utilize during missions.” 

“Why couldn’t you fix Gonky?”

“Because,” Tech’s usually even, pragmatic voice had an edge of amusement to it that I could detect even from my awkward position underneath Gonky. “Iona insisted that she could fix it herself.” “Ha!” I replaced the metal panel and wiggled out from beneath the power droid, switching my flashlight off as I gave Gonky a pat on the head. “That should do the trick. See, I do listen to you sometimes.”

“Selectively.” Tech corrected as he plugged his datapad into the back of Gonky’s main compartment, running diagnostics as he double checked my work. “Congratulations, it all seems to be in order.” 

I beam, hip bumping Omega dramatically, “And all under the half an hour time frame. I’d say that was a job well done.” 

The sound of boots climbing down the metal rungs of a ladder rang as Echo peered down from the cockpit, “We’re approaching the landing zone, if you care to take a look.”

I followed Omega as she scrambled up excitedly, rushing to the front of the cockpit where Hunter was guiding the Marauder smoothly downwards. He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on Omega first and then me and a small smile tugged his lips. 

“Like the view?” He gestured to the window and I felt the air being sucked out of my lungs at the sight before us. A hill stood majestic and tall, surrounded by a sea of emerald and sapphire with hundreds of rounded homes peppering the sides and tucked into the crevices of rock. Warm yellow lights twinkled as they interspersed between rich vegetation as if they were welcoming the Bad Batch home as their ship lowered to the flat surface of the landing platform. 

A twisted, winding tree spread its limbs in the middle of the zone, sprinkled with magenta and cream flowers in a comforting, homely atmosphere. As the Marauder’s landing gears engaged, I saw dozens of villagers hurriedly push moving carts and cargo out of the way, raising their arms to wave as they recognized the ship. 

“Welcome to Pabu.” Echo patted my shoulder in his usual nurturing way, “Come on, don’t worry about your cargo, we’ll take care of it after you’ve met Shep.”

Omega ran out in front of me and her brothers, beelining for a man who was dressed in a cheery tunic of red and beige with a jolly expression on his face. Beside him stood a little girl, about Omega’s age, and she began to run towards us as soon as she saw the landing ramp lower. 

“Welcome back, boys!” The man called out as the two girls embraced, joyfully giggling and talking over each other in excitement. Hunter stepped forward, shaking the man’s hand firmly before the rest of the clones gave their greetings. “Welcome, welcome, welcome. It feels as though it has been months since you’ve come back to us.”

“It’s been awhile.” Hunter agreed, turning towards me and extending his arm as a silent urge for me to come closer. I make my way past the boys, smiling shyly as Hunter rests his hand on my shoulder for a half second before dropping his arm back to his side. “This is Iona, the medic we talked to you about. Iona, meet Shep, Mayor of Pabu and our gracious host.”

“Iona,” Shep took my hand in both of his, warmly smiling and giving it a gentle shake, “You are as welcome here as family would be. Any friend of Hunter’s is a friend of mine.” He tilted his chin towards the girl who was still being bear-hugged by Omega, a soft tenderness in his voice as he continued, “That is my daughter, Lyana. As you can see, she and Omega are inseparable whenever they come back to visit.”

“I am so grateful to you for opening up your home to a stranger like me.” I say, hoping my words convey the depths of my sincerity, “You have no idea what it means to me.”

“Please,” Shep waved his hand, guiding me along across the landing zone, “Pabu is a place for all who seek refuge and a fresh start. We are more than happy to have you join us.” 

“Got anymore of that seafood, Shep?” Wrecker asked, trailing along behind us as Shep laughed, the movement shaking his belly in a jolly way as he nodded, 

“Believe me, Wrecker, our cook has been busy making all your favorites in anticipation of your arrival.”

The entire walk up the hill, my head was turning left and right as I looked at the homes scattered throughout Lower Pabu and the different species that inhabited them. Children ran in the streets with no concern for their safety as the adults made way for them carefully. Smiles were on the faces of nearly everybody I looked at and there was a certain warmth of peace in the atmosphere that made me feel content and safe just by proximity. Shep’s house was near the top of the hill and overlooked Lower Pabu, giving a wonderful view of the ship docks and rich waves of the ocean that lapped the surface of the beach down below. I leaned my arms against the top of the wall, my eyes fluttering closed. The sounds of the clones and Omega talking and catching up with Shep faded as I let myself relax and focus on the scent of salt and sunshine in the air. 

When I opened my eyes, I saw that Hunter had lingered, allowing the others a few paces in front of us as he looked down at me with a peculiar expression on his tattooed face. Once again, I could tell that he was lost in thought but he didn’t break my eye contact as I turned to face him. 

“What are you thinking about?” I asked softly, lowering my voice so the others couldn’t overhear. 

“Do you like it here, Iona?” 

I frowned, wondering what was on his mind before focusing on his question. “Yes,” I replied, “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more safe and more at home in a place. Not even when I was on my home planet. I just wish-” I stopped myself before I let the words tumble past my lips. Hunter shifted, eyes curious as he waited for me to finish my sentence. When I didn’t, he prompted me gently, 

“You wish what?”

I shook my head, determined not to be the one to let on that I was dreading the Bad Batch’s departure. It was not my place to feel as though they were my family. They were on a different path and I was lucky enough to be rescued and brought to the safe haven that afforded them the luxury of some well-needed rest. Hunter had made it clear that his family came first and that there were no intentions of settling down in one place, not as long as there was danger of running into the Empire. None of the clones had disclosed what had happened between their unit and the Empire exactly, but judging from how protective they were with Omega, I guessed it had something to do with her. 

“It’s nothing.” I push down the wave of sadness that has been pushing past the carefully guarded wall I had built over the past few weeks, threatening to spill over the edge and make me say or do something I would regret. “I think I’m just tired from the trip, that’s all.”

“Iona,” Shep called to me, bringing my attention to one of the rounded homes a few levels down from his. “That will be your residence here on Pabu.”

“Are you serious?” I looked at the mayor incredulously, realizing that I now had a place to call my own and to call home. “That’s mine? All on my own?”

“Of course!” He laughed again, the sound ringing across the stone as he clapped a hand on my shoulder, “I hope you don’t mind but a few friends of mine went in the other day and tidied it up for you. Put some basic cookware, furniture, things like that for you so you have space for your personal belongings.”

I have to blink back grateful tears before I circle my arms around Shep’s middle, overwhelmed by the generosity of his family and his town. Shep gives me a kind smile, understanding crossing his expression as I release him from the embrace. 

“Pabu is your home now and we are your family. I hope with time, you can settle in and feel right at home.”

It was the third day being back on Pabu and already Hunter was dreading his departure. He had received an incoming transmission from Cid with orders to retrieve another bounty within the next week but he had delayed telling the rest of his squad, knowing the minutes were ticking down on the time they had left with Iona. Wrecker and Echo had been busy helping move Iona’s things into her new home and she had been occupied with housekeeping items but still somehow found time for a daily walk with him on the beach. When Omega wasn’t running around with Lyana, she was perched on a bookshelf watching Iona unpack or trotting around behind her, ever interested in what the medic was working on. 

Hunter leaned against the wall, waiting for Iona as the sun began to set, bathing everything it touched in golden rays and warming the stone beneath on the pavement. He turned his head at the familiar sound of a datapad and Tech rounded the bend, pausing when he saw the sergeant. 

“Awaiting Iona?” He asked. Hunter nodded. Tech was silent for a minute before sliding his datapad into his belt, joining his older brother against the wall overlooking the ocean. “I saw that Cid sent a transmission yesterday with information on a new bounty.”

“Ah,” Hunter reached his arm behind his head, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. He should have known that Tech would have found the transmission and wondered why the rest of the squad was not briefed on the mission. “I was going to tell the boys later tonight.”

Tech looked at him thoughtfully for a second, his brown eyes watching Hunter as he faced Iona’s house. The leader’s expression was mild but unable to fully mask the anticipation as he watched the door from the corner of his eye. 

“Are you reconsidering our agreement with Cid?” Tech inquired bluntly.

“I-I’m not sure.” Hunter admitted as he turned his head towards his ever observant brother, “To be honest, things were a lot simpler when we were fighting for the Republic. We had one job, to complete missions, and we were damn good at it. But lately…” His voice trailed off, his eyes clouding over in deep thought. Tech waited a moment before prompting, 

“...lately?”

“Lately I’ve been…reevaluating what it is I want in my life. What I want for this squad.” Hunter let out a low sigh, the weight of the responsibilities of his family settling onto his shoulders as he struggled to verbalize his feelings, “Our priority is Omega now and her safety. But being back in Pabu like this…it makes me wonder if we could ever have more than a life on the run moving from planet to planet at the whim of somebody like Cid.” 

Tech considered Hunter’s words, his own mind wandering to a certain “liberator of ancient wonders” and in that moment, he understood what the sergeant was envisioning for his future. He too had briefly allowed himself the luxury of imagining what life would be like outside the responsibilities and duties of a soldier, maybe settling down in his own home with his own family. Then fear and the sheer impossibility of his imaginings had settled in and he had been snapped back into the reality that they were clones on the run from an ever-growing Empire. Such dreams would remain just that. Dreams. 

The sound of a door activating caused the clones to stand up straighter, refocusing their attentions as Iona walked out, her eyes searching until she saw the two underneath the shadow of the rock and her smile softened. 

“Sorry I’m late, I lost track of the time.” She apologized to Hunter before beaming at Tech, “Hello, Tech. I didn’t expect to see you today!” 

“I am merely passing by.” Tech replied as he gave Iona his customary relaxed smile that Hunter noticed she pulled from him day by day, “Not to worry. You and Hunter will be alone for your walk, as is customary.” 

“Thanks, Tech.” Iona laughed, shaking her head as she watched Tech descend down the stone staircases as he headed to Lower Pabu. She turned to Hunter and it seemed to him that her eyes had gotten to an even deeper shade of blue than usual. He cleared his throat, moving to his routine spot on the outside of the street and they began their descent down to the beach. 

“All moved in?” Hunter spoke first for once, glancing down at the woman beside him as she took two steps for each of his long strides. 

“Just about. I would have finished sooner but Omega and I got distracted at the docks. I think Wrecker is now the sole means of catching fish for Lower Pabu judging off of his most recent catch.” 

Hunter let out a short chuckle; he had seen Wrecker hauling in a fish larger than Omega earlier that morning and the villagers had already begun their work descaling and cleaning it to sell in the market. “They’re going to miss him, that’s for sure.” 

A silence settled between them and Iona looked up at Hunter, her eyes tracing the side of his tattoo before she replied quietly, “They’ll miss all of you.” 

They walked in silence until they stepped off the docks, their feet sinking into the warm sand as they made their way to the harder, wet sand closer to the lapping waves. For a second they stood side by side, the orange harsh glow of the setting sun reflecting off their tanned faces as they basked in the smell of the ocean and seaweed. 

While Iona’s eyes were closed, Hunter took the opportunity to look at her, really look at

her, his dark eyes moving from the loosened curls fallen stray across her bare shoulders, caressing her skin in an enamoring movement. Her dark lashes rested delicately against the ever rounding cheeks now tinged with pink from the kiss of the sun, matching the full lips that were upturned in a contented smile. The ocean breeze drifted over to Hunter, enveloping his enhanced senses with the warm, vanilla, buttery scent that he now associated with Iona. The clone sergeant shifted his gaze a split second before Iona opened her eyes, sighing with happiness as she raised a hand to shield her eyes from the harsh light. 

“Iona-” Hunter paused, unsure how he was supposed to continue but determined to try, “I got a transmission from Cid.” 

Iona stiffened at the mention of the Trandoshan, a shadow flitting across her expression but she remained silent, listening. 

“The boys and Omega and I ship out tomorrow morning, early. We’ve got another bounty to track down and then after that we need to catch up on some work if we’re going to stockpile some credits for the winter seasons.”

“I see.” Hunter tried again, “I know you disagree with me about Cid and I respect that. But I ask that you respect my decision and reasoning for conducting business with her and that you trust me with this.”

“I do trust you.” Iona faced him, her eyes holding his as the sound of the ocean rose and fell in sync with his breathing, “I may not understand why but I do trust you.”

Hunter exhaled the breath he didn’t know he had been holding, relieved at the 

confession of trust that Iona had just expressed. “You still have our comm channels.” He reminded her, “We’re only a comm away.”

“I know. But it’s not the same.” Iona answered as they began to slowly walk the length of the beach together, heading towards the rocks that were worn smooth with the constant barrage of waves. “It’s going to be strange not having Omega around the house.”

“She won’t understand why we have to leave. But we’ll come back, you know. We always do.”

“Don’t you get tired of living on the run? Don’t you wish maybe you could leave it all behind?” Iona’s question was a simple verbalization of the ones that had been torturing Hunter the past few days, out in the open instead of haunting him in his restless dreams. There was something unspoken in the air between them, the underlying question of if Hunter would choose to stay on Pabu permanently and what that would mean for both of them. 

Hunter watched as she reached for his hand, her fingers grasping his lightly as she searched his face for any signs of a reaction to her question. His eyes dropped to her parted lips as she waited nervously before he regained his composure, struggling to rein in his emotions.  “That’s…not an option for a man like me. A clone like me. I’m still trying to find my place in all this and Omega-” “-comes first.” Iona finished as her fingers dropped, sadness flickering in her eyes but understanding as well. “She needs to come first, of course, but I won’t lie and say I’m happy to hear that you’re leaving.” Hunter sighed as the weight settled back between his shoulder blades, wishing silently and miserably that he could take his words back and tell Iona that he and his brothers could stay. But as long as the Empire was after Omega, he could not rest until they had some answers and assurance that she would be safe with them wherever they decided to settle. “You’ll be safe here on Pabu. I heard Shep talking to you about some sort of healing job that he wants you to take. Thought about it?”

“Yes but I was waiting until things settled down before I gave him an answer. It will most likely be a yes but I was waiting to see what the facility looked like. Apparently Lower Pabu’s current healer is ancient and in desperate need for retirement, so I may not have a choice.” 

"You'll have your hands full." Hunter agreed, thinking about the huge population of people that had settled on Lower Pabu. A twinge of concern settled in his chest as he thought about how close to the water and potentially another flood Iona could be while working close to the shore. "You know what to do if you see the water receding, right?"

Iona crinkled her nose as she poked him playfully in the side between chinks in his armor, jabbing his ribs lightly, "What, you're worried about me now?"

"I always think about your safety." Hunter pointed out before adding quickly, "As I do with all members of my squad." "Does this mean I'm a Bad Batcher?" Iona quirked an eyebrow. Although her tone was still teasing, Hunter could see the seriousness in her eyes and the genuine questioning expression there.

"Getting there." He said gruffly, "The boys will put you through an initiation and to be honest, I'm not sure you stand a chance."

"Oh really?" Iona crossed her arms, stopping to face him again. The wind blew a stray curl of hair across her eyes and she whisked it away impatiently, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hunter laughed, holding up his hands as a gesture of peace, "It's nothing personal, it just involves a lot of alcohol."

"So you think I can't hold my liquor?"

"I'm not saying that." "It sounds like you're saying that." Iona challenged, a spark lighting in her eyes and inwardly, Hunter groaned. If there was anything he had picked up about Iona in these past few weeks, it was that she loved nothing more than to prove him and his brothers wrong. Echo had made the mistake of teasing her about not knowing how to use a vibroknife properly and the next day, she had asked Hunter to teach her. She was naturally coordinated so teaching her was not difficult, but his instinctive protective nature made him take it slow with her.

"What initiation did Omega have to go through?"

"Omega didn't go through initiation." Hunter chuckled, "She's only a child. Besides, she shares our genetic profile so she's already in."

Iona studied him for a second, her eyes tracing the tattoo emphasizing his cheekbone as he had noticed she often did when she was deep in thought. Then her lips set in determination and Hunter knew it was all over.

"Tonight. I'll show you. Besides, we have to do something before you all fly out and head back to Ord Mantell." Hunter sighed, running a hand down his face before shaking his head in defeat, knowing better than to argue with her.

"I'll round up the boys. But I'm not carrying you back to your house if you can't hold your alcohol." Iona skipped beside him, looping her arm around his and Hunter was glad she had no enhanced senses, because the movement made his heart stutter for a second.

"You say that now," She said, laughing, "But you know you're going to be the one walking me home anyways."

Hunter knew she was right. He just wished she knew how heavy it weighed on him knowing that tonight was the last time he could make sure she got home safely.

[zenrobbins0021]

Across the Galaxy: Chapter 3

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings will be given before certain chapter)

“Headed to the motel again?” Echo raised an eyebrow as Hunter stood, his helmet at his hip as he stopped at the door. 

“I don’t want Iona to get lost.” He explained simply. 

“You’d think she’d know her way to Cid’s after four weeks of being at Ord Mantell.” Echo’s tone was slightly teasing and Hunter shook his head, amused but unwavering.

“The walks help me clear my head. Besides, I enjoy her company.” 

“Be careful, brother.” Echo sounded serious, “Once we have enough fuel to make it to Pabu, Iona will be settling there with Shep and we’ll be on the move again.” 

Hunter pushed down the feeling of cold dread that had been building as the days went on, more and more aware that each passing moment brought Iona’s departure closer. He had tried to keep his distance, choosing to only come into contact with the young woman when retrieving Omega who was constantly with her. It was getting harder to resist the undeniable pull he felt towards the medic, although it was bewildering to him why he was so drawn to her. Hunter didn’t have much experience with women, save for the occasional fling here and there, but he would have bet money that Iona felt the same pull to him as he did to her. He could see it clearly in her wide eyes when she looked at him, could feel it in the few brushes of contact they had shared, and could sense it in the air between them when they were together.

Soon, the brief sightings had turned into daily walks from her room at the motel to Cid’s in the mornings and late evenings. At first, Hunter had told himself that it was for Iona’s protection in the streets, that it was a matter of his duty as the squad leader to ensure her safety. But if he was being honest with himself, he looked forward to the 10 minutes he knew he had with her alone as they walked from point A to point B. Her gentle chatter intrigued and amused him, preferring to listen as she talked about anything and everything. 

Over the past four weeks, Iona had bonded with each of the members of his squad, confiding in Echo, horsing around with Wrecker, learning from Tech, and of course loving on Omega. They were saving as much credits as they could to restock supplies and repair some pieces of the Marauder before flying out to Pabu, meaning they had been running odds and ends jobs for Cid. Most of them had taken a day or two but Hunter had always found himself relieved when he looked up and saw the now familiar figure of Iona keeping an eye out of her window when they returned. She had begun working at an apothecary stall in the main hub of Ord Mantell, building up her own savings and insisting that she pay the squad back for their kindness towards her. 

“I know you’re right, Echo.” Hunter sighed, running a hand down the side of his face wearily. “Once we’ve patched up the ship, we’ll bring her to Pabu. It’s the life she deserves.” 

In Echo’s eyes was a level of understanding but he wisely remained silent, nodding as Hunter stepped out into the street. 

I leaned out the window, closing my eyes as the sunshine radiated on my face. At the crunch of footsteps down below, I opened them and looked down at the upturned face of Hunter as he waited for me. 

“I’m coming.” I called before darting to grab my bag, skipping down the stairs two at a time before bursting into the warmth of the sun. I grinned up at Hunter, lifting my fingers in a lazy salute, “What’s on the agenda for today, Sergeant?”

Amusement flickered in Hunter’s dark eyes but also something else I couldn’t put my finger on. There was a tension in his shoulders as he turned, wordlessly guiding me to the inner part of the sidewalk as we began our usual path back to Cid’s bar. I found myself intrigued by the leader of clone force 99, eventually learning that he chose his words carefully but when he had something to say, you knew it was worth stopping to listen to. I had also learned that Hunter was incredibly stubborn and that once his mind was set, you had better have ten good reasons for an alternate plan before he changed his decision. I had learned this after trying and failing to argue with him after he insisted on accompanying me to and fro the motel to Cid’s. We had fallen into a twice daily habit of him waiting for me in the morning and walking me home at night ever since I had mentioned apprehension at navigating the streets of Ord Mantell alone. I had protested after the initial walk, knowing that Hunter probably had better things to do than guard duty for someone who was not used to the heavily populated city but he had shaken his head and showed up the next morning anyways. 

At first, his observant silence had intimidated me, making me wonder what was going on in his head as he walked and listened to me chatter. Every now and then, he would offer a response and I realized that he was actually paying attention to whatever thought or idea that had popped out of my mouth during our walks. One of the walks home from Cid’s, I had mentioned during one of my rants that there was a customer giving me trouble at the apothecary stall, refusing to pay for various treatments and ointments that were charged to his bill. It was only when I went back the next day and found the customer waiting on the threshold, nearly stumbling over himself in his hurry to pay his bill, that I realized Hunter had been paying attention to every word I ever said. 

As the days went on, Hunter’s responses had become more and more frequent until it was almost naturally flowing back and forth between us. In the back of my mind, I knew that we were on borrowed time, waiting until we had enough credits and ship repairs checked off the list before the Bad Batch flew me to the safe planet they had promised to bring me to. Until then, I was determined to make the most of my time with them, getting to know them and learning more about their way of life. 

“Omega has improved with her crossbow accuracy.” I offered, as a way to break the silence. Hunter’s chin turning slightly towards me was the only indication he gave that he heard me, so I took it as a gesture to continue. “Tech also told me that she is progressing nicely on her studies of navigation and transports.” 

“She has had more time for her studies since she started staying here with you instead of coming along on missions.” Hunter agreed, “I hear you’ve been teaching her some medicine?”

I felt my cheeks warm, realizing that Omega probably chattered on and on about the time we spent together and wondered briefly what Hunter thought about it. “I figured someone should know something about first aid and some of the basics. Especially once I’m no longer with you guys.”

Hunter made a humming noise in his throat, a basic acknowledgement that he had heard me but offered no other comment for a few minutes. We reached the outer door of Cid’s bar and I moved to open it when his hand extended, his fingers closing around my wrist for a moment as a signal for me to stop. For a second, his eyes fell upon the red stretch of fabric wrapped around my wrist to my mid-forearm, one of his bandanas that I had commandeered and never given back. I thought I saw a softness pass across his eyes before I blinked and it was gone. I looked up at him, searching for a reason for his troubled silence on our walk. 

“We should have the supplies and credits needed for our journey to Pabu within the next few days.” Hunter explained quietly, “Wrecker and I will be over to the motel tomorrow to help you move your things so you should get your affairs in order with the apothecary.” 

I felt my heart drop slightly, looking at the ground for a moment before giving him as best a smile as I could muster. He and his brothers had been wonderful to me, taking me in as one of their own and entrusting their beloved Omega in my care. I had learned so much from each of them and part of me wanted to stay, even if it meant being on the move from mission to mission but Hunter had not asked me to stay. I had hoped that our companionship had resembled at least some sort of friendship but it was hard to read Hunter’s face, even though over the weeks I had gotten better at learning his expressions and movements. “I understand. I’ll make some arrangements and be ready whenever the Marauder is ready to go.”

For a moment, Hunter hesitated, and I felt the breath stutter in my chest at the faint glimmer of hope that rose in me as conflict crossed his expression. Just as quickly as it showed, it disappeared and Hunter gave a short nod, releasing my wrist and activating the door to Cid’s. 

[zenrobbins0021]

Across the Galaxy: Chapter 2

Hunter x OC 18+ (warnings will be given before certain chapters)

I woke to the feeling of the ship rumbling to a stop, jostling slightly as the landing gears kicked into action. I stretched my legs as I realized I was lying down in a bunk, blanket stretched over my shoulders and I sat up. I remembered getting out of the fresher, feeling more clean than I could last remember, and stumbling to the bunk that Hunter had gestured to before he moved to the navigator's chair. The bunk was simple with one pillow and cool sheets but the blanket smelled smokey and warm, a scent my senses vaguely associated with Hunter now as he had brushed past me. 

“Morning,” Echo smiled, slipping the last of his armor on as he headed towards the cockpit, “We just landed at Ord Mantell so we’ll be headed out soon.” 

I rubbed my eyes and followed him, smiling as Wrecker eagerly handed me a stick of dried jerky, 

“Breakfast! Last of the rations.” He wiped his mouth on the back of his glove, smacking his lips dramatically, “Can me and the kid go on a supply run this time, Hunter?” 

I followed Wrecker’s gaze to the clone sergeant who slid down from the cockpit, his helmet resting against his hip as he shook his head in amusement, 

“We’d be out of credits if you were in charge of buying supplies.” He said good-naturedly before his eyes moved to me, “Sleep well?”

“Yes, thank you.” I rubbed my arms, the soft black fabric of the extra clothes he had given me smoothing against my skin, “It was kind of you to give up your bunk.”

“Don’t mention it.” Hunter bent his head, the few tendrils of brown curls disappearing as his helmet slid into place. “Let’s get moving, boys.” 

I followed the clones out of the ship, taking in the busy streets of Ord Mantell as they wove their way expertly through the crowd. Beside me, Omega watched as I looked around in wonder at the various stalls, merchants, and haphazard buildings that made up the inner city. 

“Seedy, isn’t it?” She asked and I looked down at her in amusement.

“Where did you learn that word?” I laughed. 

“From my friends we met in Corellia, Trace and Rafa.” Omega explained, “Just wait until you meet Cid.”

The clones stopped at a door the slid open, revealing several steps that descended into a darkened bar. It was mostly empty with a few scattered patrons playing games on holoscreens set up between booths and barstools. Behind the bar stood a Trandoshan female with jewel green scales, beady eyes, and a scowl that crossed her expression as she turned to face the Bad Batch. 

“Well!” She exclaimed, placing her claws in her hips as if she were scolding her children, “It’s about time. I was about to send a search party for you lot.”

“Glad to hear that you care about us, Cid.” Hunter’s voice sounded even more dry through the modulator of his helmet. “Muchi is in the cargo hold. You can have her once we get our cut of the bounty.” 

“What, you expect me to bring her here on a leash?” Cid scoffed, “Her owners will be at the landing bay to collect her.” Her reptilian eyes slid over to me and she looked me over head to toe. “What’s this? Found a pretty little lady to ease your nerves?”

“This is Iona.” Hunter turned slightly to me, his voice sounding weary and I guessed that he had been dealing with this Cid long enough to know that she got on his nerves. “She was part of the Zygerrian slaves and we took her with us.” 

“How much did she cost?” 

Cid’s comment made Echo tense, “She wasn’t for sale.” 

“Relax, grumpy.” Cid waved her hand dismissively, heading towards the back of the bar where another door slid open, “Get back here and discuss your cut of the bargain, dark and broody.” 

Hunter took of his helmet, meeting my eyes as I mouthed, “Dark and broody?” And his eyes crinkled, hinting at a smile before he followed Cid.

I looked around, “So, this is what you do for a living? A grab and go crew for a slimy Trandoshan bartender?” 

“We didn’t have a lot of options.” Echo admitted, rubbing the back of his neck, “Cid used to be an underground contact during the Clone Wars for the Jedi, so I figured we’d be able to build some credits before moving on elsewhere.” 

“The credits are sufficient.” Tech agreed, “But it would be more helpful if our cut was not 40% of each job we completed for Cid.” 

“I’m sick of talking about Cid.” Wrecker complained, shifting his weight impatiently, “Another mission complete, kid. Let’s go get some Mantell Mix.” 

Omega clapped her hands, jumping high to smack the upraised hand of her brother before turning to me. “It’s tradition.” She explained solemnly, “Mantell Mix for every successfully completed mission. Will you come with us?” 

“Uh-“ I looked at the closed back door where Cid and Hunter had gone behind, briefly wondering how he trusted her enough to be alone with her. Tech met my eyes and a flash of understanding appeared in his expression as he paused his typing on the data pad.

“Hunter will be fine.” He stated simply. 

“Lead the way, Omega.” I replied to the expectant girl beside me, letting her and Wrecker bounce out of the bar and back into the busy streets of Ord Mantell. The dim setting sun cast an orange glow across the pavement, reflecting off of the various metal and glass of the buildings in a hazy ambiance. Wrecker and Omega beelined for a stall selling cartons of popcorn mix, eagerly tapping their cartons together in a sort of cheers and munching immediately, 

I wandered from stall to stall, looking interestedly at the merchandise as I listened to Omega chatter. Even though I had just met the group of clones, I felt safe with a Wrecker trailing beside me and his sister and it was a feeling I could get used to. 

“Omega!” 

We all turned at the sound of Hunter calling and Omega trotted up, brandishing her Mantell Mix and her older brother obediently took a kernel, used to her instance of sharing. I waited until he reached us and he slowed his steps, allowing Omega and Wrecker to walk a few paces ahead of us. 

“Did you get paid?” I asked, trying to make small talk with the leader of the squad as we walked. He nodded, 

“It’s never guaranteed with her. Depends on what kind of mood she’s in.” 

“That doesn’t sound fair.” 

Hunter lifted one of his shoulders in a shrug, 

“She calls it a ‘mutually beneficial arrangement’ but it’s becoming less and less mutual by the week.” 

“Then why do you stay with her?” 

Hunter was quiet for a minute and the hustle and bustle of the streets filled the silence between us before he answered carefully. 

“We’re…deserters. We fled once the Empire took control and we’ve been on the run ever since we took Omega from Kamino.” 

I looked at him from the side as we walked, tilting my head slightly upwards. His eyebrows were furrowed, creating a little ridge above his sharply carved nose as he was lost in thought, his lips pushed out slightly with his frown. Dark eyes slid down, meeting mine as he returned my look, 

“What is it?” Hunter asked. 

“Nothing,” I was embarrassed to be caught staring and refocused my attentions forward, “You seem to really care about your family. They’re lucky to have you, you know.” 

Hunter’s lips tilted upwards and his shoulders relaxed at my brief compliment. We turned a corner and we reached a small motel with candles lit in the rounded windows. Omega and Wrecker scampered inside and I followed, giving Hunter a small smile of gratitude as he held the front door. 

“We stay here sometimes to get away from the ship.” He explained, “Tech and Echo are loading the Marauder for our next mission but we thought you could use some rest sleeping in a real bed.” 

Once again, I was surprised at the thoughtfulness of the clone brothers towards a stranger they had taken in. Omega was inspecting every corner of the small room, opening cupboards and standing on tiptoe to look at the streets below. Wrecker put down a carton of Mantell Mix by the nightstand and gave me a wink, 

“For when you get munchy later.” He explained before taking Omega’s hand. She turned her attention to me, her warm brown eyes sparkling as she grinned,

“You’ll be back tomorrow, right?” She asked, “I want to show you my target practice with my crossbow.” 

“I’ll be there.” I assured her, watching as Wrecker led her down the stairs, leaving me alone with the sergeant. He had reached into his pack and brought out a bundle, handing it to me quickly as he spoke,  

“I bargained with Cid for some better fitting clothes. I’ll be back in the morning to walk you.” 

“Hunter-“ I put out a hand to stop him, as he was already moving away. His eyes landed on the hand resting on his armor-clad forearm before looking at me again, the same feeling of warmth expanding in my stomach unexpectedly and I dropped my hand. “Thank you. I promise as soon as I can find some work, I will pay you back.” 

Hunter nodded, hesitating for a split second before reaching into his belt for a communication device. He handed it to me, his fingers closing mine around the device securely as he spoke, “This is connected directly to our encrypted comm channel. If you need anything or any of us, use it.” Before I could respond, he turned and quickly headed down the stairs, closing the door behind him. 

[zenrobbins0021]

Across the Galaxy: Chapter 1

Hunter x OC

Rated: 18+ (warnings given before certain chapters)

Chapter One

I jumped slightly at the rumble that shook the rocky cavern, causing a few stray pebbles to roll and tumble at my feet. Through the small, crudely-cut opening in the mountain, I had been able to glimpse a group of Zygerrian’s dragging four figures into the circle of slaves before placing electric collars and chains on them. Before I could get a better look, the guard pushed me roughly back over to her station and blocked the window. Since then, the air had rang with the sound of blaster fire and chaos and although the guard shifted nervously, he had not left his post. 

The next explosion shook the ground and I braced myself, crouching behind one of the larger rocks I used as a supply table.

“Any idea what’s going on?” I called out, trying to gauge the guard’s reactions to the disturbance down below. 

“Keep quiet, rat.” The Zygerrian guard grunted at her, his grip tightening on the electro-whip at his side. 

Then the earth shook. My arms flew out, reaching for anything to grasp on as the crack of rock splitting sliced through the air. I felt a jagged edge of a falling stone against my cheek before the sounds of blasters and the Zygerrian guard’s cries rang. Two men entered, their dark helmets swiveling as they took in the small room, searching for signs of any more assailants. From what I had seen on her home planet, the armor resembled the clones used by the Republic in the Clone Wars but the red and white markings were different than any clone unit I had seen before. I kept my back pressed against the cavern wall, ignoring the warm trickle of blood running down from my cheek and I looked wide-eyed at the figures. 

“All clear.” The crisp, modulated voice of the clone on the left broke the tension, “All Zygerrian forces have been eliminated.”

“Easy,” The second clone made a soothing gesture with his arm and my eyes traveled down to where his hand should be. A droid socket had replaced his human hand and for a brief moment I wondered if it was a droid, not a clone. “Can’t you see you’re making her nervous?”

“Who are you?” I asked, some tension leaving my body as I watched the strangers lower their weapons, “What’s going on?”

“I’m Echo. This is Tech, we were sent here to retrieve Muchi.”

My eyebrows shot up, “The rancor?”

Echo removed his helmet and I met the brown eyes of the clone. He seemed more machine than man with a piece of metal banded around the back of his head but his eyes were kind. “What’s your name?”

“My name is Iona. But what-”

The beep of a communication device activated and Tech put his index finger on the side of his helmet, listening. 

“Hunter and Wrecker have acquired the rancor. We’d better get moving before reinforcements arrive.” 

“Follow us,” Echo turns back to me, herding me along as we head out of the cavern at a rapid pace, “I’ll brief you on the way.”

I blink at the harsh sunlight, my eyes adjusting slowly as I look around and take in the first time outdoors in months. My gaze falls upon the broken shackles and destroyed cargo boxes strewn beside the bodies of Zygerrian slavers. In front of me, Echo and Tech pause and turn back as they wait for me to adjust. 

“What is the matter?” Tech’s matter-of-fact voice has a hint of curiosity, “Is something wrong?”

“I just-I’ve been a captive for almost a year now. I never thought that I would be free again.” 

Echo’s eyes soften and he gives a slow nod, almost in understanding. Before he can respond, another explosion sets off and a clone larger than any clone I have ever seen comes sprinting from behind another boulder. 

“Run, run, run, run, run!” He shouts. It’s the type of shout that you obey without question and we follow him, sprinting around the bend as the ramp of an Omicron-class attack shuttle lowers. For a brief moment, I wonder if I’m making the right decision in trusting a group of the strangest clones I have ever seen but there is no time to second-guess myself. In the blink of an eye, the ramp closes up and the ship rumbles to life, climbing the atmosphere into the galaxy before jumping into hyperspace. 

Once the ship is steady on it’s course, the group of clones breathe a sigh of relief. Tech removes his helmet and moves away towards the cockpit but the larger clone turns to me. Once his helmet is off, I can see the entire left side of his face is covered in a spidery scar, slightly raised and angry looking. 

“You missed the detonation of a lifetime!” He exclaims cheerly, his face widening in an enthusiastic grin before his one good eye lands on me. “Whoa, who are you?” “My name is Iona.” I extend my hand, wincing slightly when he encloses it entirely with his and gives it a tight squeeze, “You friends Echo and Tech rescued me from where I was being held by the Zygerrians.” 

“Yes-” Tech peers, his right hand reaching up to adjust his goggle slightly as the light of the datapad in his other hand highlights the slight frown on his face, “You have yet to explain why you were captured and where you are from.” 

I look around at the faces in the cargo hold, glancing from Echo, Tech, and Wrecker. They’re waiting for my answer and I have the inherent feeling that I can trust them. After all, they were the ones who had rescued me from the slavery I had been forced into for over a year now. 

“My homeworld is Ando Prime but I haven’t been there since I was young.”

“Ando Prime is in the Mid Rim. It should not be an issue to drop you back on your home planet, if that is what you wish.” Tech clicks on his datapad, “However, I would recommend that you contact your family on the planet before arriving, due to it being quite inhospitable during this time of the year.”

“I have no family.” I reply, shifting my weight uncomfortably, “They were killed when I was taken. I was taken by a group of Rhodian travelers who sold me into slavery to the Zygerrians and I’ve been with them ever since.”

Compassion crosses Echo’s face and almost as if he could sense my hesitant response, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’re not the only one here who has been held against their will. You’re safe here with us.” He guides me gently through the cargo hold, “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”

The ship was rather untidy but not dirty; I noticed how there were various weapons and tools scattered about as well as clothing and pieces of armor. A warm, yellow light fell across the floor and I looked up, meeting the warm brown eyes of a girl as she pushed a sheer curtain back from the gunner’s mount. Spry and deft, she climbed down from the ladder and sidled next to Echo, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she raised her right hand in a small wave, 

“Hello,” Her voice, like her companions, had the same accent heard in most of the clone I had encountered during the prime of the Republic. She was probably between the ages of eleven and thirteen, her limbs long in the awkward growth spurt that I remembered going through. “I’m Omega. I heard you talking to my brothers, you’re from Ando Prime?”

I nodded, a small smile finding it’s way to my lips at her cheerful, inquisitive demeanor. “You’re a clone too?”

“Oh yes,” Omega beamed, “They rescued me from Kamino and I’ve been with them ever since.”

“Kamino, huh? It sounds like quite the story.” 

Omega opened her mouth but Echo hurriedly cut her off, shaking his head slightly in amusement as he ruffled her blonde curls affectionately. 

“We’ll be here all day if Omega begins that one. We’ve got a med kit somewhere on this ship for that cut on your cheek.” 

I smiled at Omega as she rolled her eyes good-naturedly. It was clear that she had a strong bond with the rest of the clones, her brothers, as she had pointed out. Omega trotted alongside us as Echo began to rummage among various supplies, tossing objects here and there and I watched as bolts and bandages rolled on the dark metal floor. Echo finally produced a bacta patch and began to fiddle with it; I took it from him gratefully, 

“I’ve got it from here.” I opened it, reaching into my pocket for a piece of gauze that I always kept as part of my supplies on me, “I was trained as a medic.” 

“Really?” Omega exclaimed as she watched me carefully clean the wound and slip the patch over the broken skin, “How long have you been a medic? Are you going to stay with us?” I couldn’t help but be drawn to the girl’s enthusiasm and her sweet nature. I hadn’t been allowed to form any kind of attachment or relationship with the other slaves, since the Zygerrians preferred to isolate me and utilize my skills as a medic to ensure they received the most profit for their slaves. “I was trained as a medic when I was about your age. As for where I’m going to stay, I’m just grateful your companions rescued me.” 

The sound of somebody coming down from the cockpit made me glance and I watched the long, sturdy legs of yet another clone climb down the ladder two rungs at a time. Almost as if he could sense my gaze, he turned and walked towards where Omega and Echo were in front of me before facing me fully. Even though all the clones looked different from each other, this one stood out in a number of ways. A tattoo darkened the entire left side of his face, tracing his bone structure in a skeleton design that emphasized his sharp cheekbones. Longish dark hair was pulled back by a red bandana but a few stray curls had escaped, hanging slightly over the bandana and threatening to hang over stormy brown eyes. An eyebrow arched as he looked at me, surprise lighting in his eyes as he spoke, 

“Tech told me we had a new member of the crew.” His voice was deep, almost gravelly, “I see you’ve already met Omega.”

“Yes, we’ve been getting to know each other.” I reached out my hand and he took it, his fingers closing around my forearm in a sort of respectful salute. “I’m Iona.”

“Hunter.” He tilted his chin towards my other hand holding the bacta patch against my cheek, his brow furrowing as his eyes swept over the gash in my cheek, “Did the slavers do that?”

I shook my head quickly, the sudden urge to reassure him rising as I chuckled, “Ah, no. This was all me, I must have caught the edge of one of the rocks when I fell.” 

“I was thinking we could take her to that place after we drop off Muchi in Ord Mantell.” Echo said, “There’s nowhere else for her to go.” 

Hunter hummed thoughtfully, his eyes sliding back to meet mine as he studied me before giving a curt nod. “You can come with us to Ord Mantell then we’ll take you someplace safe. That is, if that’s what you want to do.” 

“I’m grateful for whatever help you can provide.” I reply, smiling as Omega sits down beside me. When I look up, Hunter’s mouth is upturned slightly and I note the softness in his eyes as he looks at the child next to me. He nods again and heads back to the cockpit, Echo following close behind. 

“Don’t mind Hunter,” Omega tugs at my hand, “He gets overstimulated after missions sometimes so he likes to be alone.” “What do you mean?”

“All of my brothers are defective clones,” Omega explains, “They’re Clone Force 99 but we call ourselves The Bad Batch.” She laughs a little, her legs swinging from the side of the bunk as her heels make little clicking noises against the metal, “Wrecker is really strong, obviously. Put Tech against any computer or encryption and he will win every single time. Hunter has enhanced senses and he’s a brilliant tracker; he said he’s going to teach me how to track but he won’t until I master my crossbow.” A thoughtful expression crosses her face as she adds, “We have another brother, Crosshair. He’s…not with us at the moment.”

I decide not to press the subject and return the squeeze she gives my hand, a sudden feeling of protectiveness and affection rising in me as I look down at her wide, brown eyes. “Your brothers seem like good people. So do you, Omega.” She gives me a grateful smile, her cheery disposition returning at the simple compliment. “So, tell me what’s on Ord Mantell.” 

Hunter leaned his head against the headrest of the pilot’s seat, basking in the silence of hyperspace as the Havoc Marauder hurtled towards Ord Mantell. Omega had been talking to Iona for the better part of three hours, last time he checked, and had finally slumped into an exhausted sleep with her head leaned against her newfound friend. Wrecker had picked Omega up and lifted her into her little room where she lay curled with Lula grasped tightly between her arms. Mindlessly, Hunter’s thoughts drifted to the stranger that remained below in the ship’s hold, his brain replaying the moment the two had locked forearms. He wondered what her full story was, but it seemed as though she was still figuring out who to trust and what to say so he opted for his usual patience. When Tech had informed him of the woman they had found in a separate holding cavern, he had not realized how young she would be. She was probably around their age, perhaps a year or two younger, with light brown hair pulled back into a hasty ponytail and wide, clear blue eyes. Ever observant, Hunter had noticed a smattering of freckles dancing across her nose underneath the dirt and blood dried on her face. The same protective instinct that surged within him whenever he thought of Omega had been on high alert when he locked eyes with Iona, settling in his chest like a heavy weight the moment her vulnerable face had lifted to assess his. It had startled him, especially when his eyes had fallen on the gash in her cheek and he had wondered briefly how much pain and abuse she had suffered at the hands of the slavers. It made it somehow more satisfying that he had put the Zygarrian prince out of commission as Wrecker wrangled the adolescent rancor Cid had sent them to retrieve. 

The sound of Wrecker climbing up the ladder shook Hunter out of his deep thought and he spun around, “Omega still sleeping?”

“Yeah,” His brother laughed, the deep sound rumbling out of his chest plate as he settled into the co-pilot’s chair, “It was a lot of excitement for her today. She really likes the medic.”

Hunter let out a chuckle, “I noticed. I’m surprised Iona didn’t get annoyed.”

“She seemed to enjoy the company.” Wrecker smacked Hunter on the back as he stood, a loud oomph escaping the sergeant’s lips as the wind knocked out of him, “Head on to bed, Sarge. I’ve got this next watch.”

Hunter slid down the ladder quietly, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness of the cargo hold before stepping around the various pieces of equipment scattered on the floor of the ship. Peering through the bars of the cage, he could see that Muchi was settled, droplets of drool pooling underneath her jaw as she snored. Tech and Echo were sleeping in their bunks as usual but Hunter searched for the figure of Iona as he walked silently through the ship. His eyes landed on her, sleeping curled up, leaning against the side of Gonky with her hands forming a pillow to cushion her cheek against the metal. Gently, Hunter touched her arm and she stirred, opening her eyes and blinking slowly at him in confusion before recognition flitted in her expression. 

“That can’t be comfortable.” Hunter kept his voice low, aware of his sleeping brothers, “Come, follow me.” 

Iona got up, grabbing the blanket from around her shoulders and keeping it wrapped around her as she tiptoed behind him. He opened the door to the fresher, the cool automatic light falling upon her as her gaze moved to his face. 

“You might sleep better once you’ve washed up.” He searched through some cargo before handing her a few pieces of clothing, “These are some of Tech’s old things. They’ll be big on you but it’ll have to do until we can find you something more suitable when we land. You can sleep in my bunk when you’re ready.” 

“But where will you sleep?” Iona whispered back, concerned as she took the clothes he extended to her.

“I’ll sleep just fine in the navigator’s chair. That’s usually where I end up anyways, I don’t mind.” Hunter reassured her, “You can get a few good hours in before we land on Ord Mantell and we can get this rancor off my ship.”

“Not a fan, are you?” Iona smiled at him and he chuckled, the feeling of warmth that expanded in his chest surprising him again as he looked down at her. 

“I’ll feel better about being around a rancor when I return her to where she belongs and we get paid.”

Iona shuffled into the fresher before turning to look back at him, her eyes soft as she whispered, “Thank you, Hunter.”

“Not a problem. Sleep well.” He moved to the navigator’s chair and settled in, removing a few pieces of his armor and double checking their route before closing his eyes again. As he drifted off into a restless sleep, the sound of water running and light humming filled his senses before darkness overcame and he fell asleep.