#canto bight

You didn't say anything, but stood up from the bar and made your way to the stage. Even the band had stopped to watch the deal between Tech and the Target, leaving their microphones largely abandoned.

Your legs were a little unsteady until you reached the stage. Your heart was pounding in your chest, but the sight of the patrons was one that was largely familiar to you. You weren't nervous so much for the crowd, but for the management. Would you be able to sing long enough to really distract the crowd? Or would you be forced offstage before they could really do anything?

You forced yourself to belt out the first note, loud and clear. Half the casino looked up in surprise. No turning back now.

You broke out into an angry love ballad, wretched and cruel, heartfelt and poignant. Every patron in the casino had their eyes on you, drawn to your voice like a siren. The band, recognizing the song, quickly joined in on their instruments, and the music swelled through the crowd, drawing a few tears.

Echo sat at the bar, dumbfounded.

"Did you know she could do that?" Wrecker asked.

Echo nearly missed the question. He took a moment to shake his head, his fragile heart pounding in his chest.

"No, no I didn't."

Tech coughed subtly, "Not that this isn't an impressive performance, but I believe she did it to give us an opportunity?" He nodded to the target, who was eyeing you as hungrily as he had the pile of tokens on the table.

Echo caught your gaze as it swept over the spellbound crowd.

You implored him with your eyes, trying to gesture towards the target without tipping off anyone else.

Echo swallowed, his throat dry, and approached the target with Wrecker.

A few minutes later, you had performed an encore, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, and the band begged you to join them as a permanent member. The tips had been flowing in with your house-shaking performance, and the cut they gave you was more than generous, but you had to decline.

You already had your own band.

The crowd thronged you, attempting to get an autograph and even a couple recording deals, but you politely declined each one. Eventually, you found solace in the target's isolated VIP booth, where the rest of the Batch was waiting for you. The target himself was nowhere to be seen, but Tech was intently studying something on his datapad, so you assumed they'd gotten the data you were after.

"You were amazing!" Omega squealed, throwing her arms around you, pinning your arms to your sides.

"Thanks kid," You laughed, studying the faces of everyone else in the booth.

Hunter sat back with his arms crossed, one foot propped up on the seat of his chair.

"Didn't know you had a set of pipes like that," He grinned.

You flushed and looked off to the side, "I... Used to be a singer at 79's. Kinda had to find another line of work after the war ended."

"It's good to have diverse talents," Tech said.

"It's a good thing you're a good fighter and a good singer! You shoulda sung to those Zygerrians back on Ord Mantell!" Wrecker said.

Echo was still tongue tied, staring you up and down. Much to his embarrassment, you looked back at him.

"You were, uh, really good out there," He mumbled behind his hand, trying to hide his shocked expression.

You stared down at your feet to try and hide your smile.

"Thanks, Echo."

You shook out your nerves and peered out of the booth.

"We should get going before someone calls the paparazzi."

Hunter chuckled, herding his brothers out of the booth. Thankfully, the hubbub from your earlier performance had died down, allowing all of you to make a hasty exit.

You held Omega's hand as you made your way back to the landing pad. She was asking all sorts of questions about how well you knew how to sing and if you could teach her. You looked around at your team, your band. You couldn't be more grateful to be with them.

"Hey," Echo was looking a little more confident now as he approached you on your other side.

"Hey yourself," You smiled.

Echo looked over his shoulder and off to the side, accidentally bumping into you a couple times.

"What's wrong?" you asked.

"Nothing," Echo said quickly, "Gotta make sure nothing bothers our star singer now, don't I?"

You were surprised by his comment, and strangely touched. Omega kept pulling you along, still talking a mile a minute, so you linked your arm through Echo's, pulling him with you.

"Nothing can bother me with my star ARC trooper around."

Binx felt right at home with the 99’s. It didn’t take long for them to warm up to her either, even Crosshair liked her pretty much right off the bat. He claims it was her reluctance to letting him get under her skin but honestly they all thought of her like a sister. He’s actually Binx’s closest comrade, as he recognizes that she’s one hell of a warrior and damn good at her job. She’s saved their asses too many times to count. Crosshair knows she’s a 99 through and through. 

Those two love to just sit in silence together, like two judgmental peas in a pod. 

Binx was nearly the perfect Nexu… 

However, the one part of Binx’s job that she couldn’t quite master, was the rule of never falling in love. Spies can’t fall in love. 

It’s a liability. 

It was beat into her as a trainee, and she truly believed she’d be immune to the all consuming human condition… but then came the 99’s and her commanding officer. 

It haunted Binx. Truly. 

She swore if it had been anyone else she was assigned to it wouldn’t have ended up this way. But the boys wormed their way into her steel heart. They’re family. She’s become too attached. And what makes it even worse, about a year ago, to her horror, she realized she was in love with Hunter. 

Her sergeant. 

There’s just something about him. He’s like no other clone or soldier she’s ever met. 

It terrified the young Nexu. Every mission she prayed nothing happened to him because she wasn’t sure what that would do to her. How it would affect her ability to do her job, to keep the others safe. 

Binx hated it. So she swore she’d never let it change anything. No one would ever know. And she’d ignore the pains until eventually they’d wither away to nothing…

~ 

Binx shook out her wet hair, placing her towel on the drying rack and threw on one of Wrecker’s t-shirts before feeling Crosshair’s quick flick on the back of head signaling her to follow. She trotted after him smelling the ration packs steaming from the galley. 

Chow time. 

“Long day at work, hun?” Binx played with Hunter, ruffling his hair. He was nearly slumped over his food. He just grumbled and continued eating his food making Binx smirk. 

She knew he was tired, getting off his watch shift. The six of them had been in hyperspace for early 48 hours at his point and the six hour shifts were starting to get dry. 

Binx filled a cup of caff and set it in front of the Sergeant to took it with a grumbly thank you. 

She couldn’t help but admire his rippling arm muscles, he must have been doing some training while on watch and it made the Nexu’s blood start to pump.

Meanwhile, Wrecker was chowing down voraciously while Echo passed Binx her dinner. She took it gratefully along with a clean spork and dug in herself. She willed herself to focus on her dinner instead of Hunter’s glistening skin.

Crosshairs perched next to the fold out table on one of the weapon’s crates while he ate. The last to supper was Tech, who was busy tapping away on his data pad. 

“We need to make a stop before returning to the fleet. We’re low on fuel.” Tech sat down to eat without taking his eyes off the screen.

“Where to?” Echo got up to punch in the coordinates. 

“Oba Diah.” Tech replied, “Neutral space… cheap fuel.” 

“Course set.” Echo cracked his knuckles, “One hour till touch down.” 

“I’ve never been to Oba Diah.” Wrecker said clearly curious. 

Binx smiled, “It’s controlled by the pike syndicate. Probably don’t want to get into too much trouble.” 

Crosshair chuckled, “But trouble is what we do best.” 

“Thats what worries me.” Binx waved her spork at him. 

~

Once again Binx was met with this horrifying realization that she as absolutely cooked, finished, shameful, unprofessional, and frankly? Downright jealous…

During their stop to refuel, they stopped into a local dive bar for some r&r, and Binx was giving it all she had to fight back the painful stabbing in her gut as she watched Hunter chat up a pretty little thing at the back of the bar. This is how it usually goes. The boys go prowling for a quick hookup and return to the ship a few hours later. Typically it’s just Binx and Tech waiting back at the ship. 

Binx had to force herself to look away as Hunter even gave the girl a charming smirk as he leaned against the wall listening to her giggle. 

Knowing Hunter was most likely going to disappear with her for bit before returning to their little pack, Binx willed herself to lean into Wrecker letting him wrap an arm around her as he ate the snacks at their table. Echo was also missing… convenient. 

“Binx you’re catching some eyes.” Crosshair raised a brow from the other side of the booth. Binx followed his line of sight and noticed a couple human males making interested eyes at her while playing darts. 

Binx sighed, “Not my type.” And slid Wrecker’s snacks over to her before shoving a handful in her mouth. 

Crosshair narrowed his eyes at her, “When was the last time you got laid?” 

Tech finally looked up from his tablet suddenly interested. 

Binx raised a brow, “Why do you care?” 

“Because it’s the nature of our jobs. Live fast, try not to die in the field, survive, get laid.” Crosshair said like it was so simple, “But you haven’t hooked up with anyone since we were in Coruscant.”

Of course it was simple to them. Clearly Hunter thought that too. 

Ouch. 

It’s not like Binx tried. She tried plenty of times. But the men never interested her enough. Not even for a quick fuck just to get it out of her system. She never came and just ended up feeling disgusting after and then it just became useless.

“I have to get felt up by enough sleemos for my job. I’ll just keep to my vibrator in peace thanks.” Binx rolled her eyes hoping he’d drop it.

Crosshair relented, “If that works for you.” He gave Binx a suspicious once over and she returned it with a challenging stare. 

Hunter suddenly appeared looking thoroughly annoyed. 

“We’re being summoned.”

Wrecker groaned. Everyone have an exhausted sigh. 

“Someone find Echo and report back to the marauder.” Hunter replied. So much for his hookup. 

At least that gave Binx a little mood boost. 

~

There was the dreaded ding from the center console. 

Hunter audibly groaned. 

The others understood his frustration. They had been on back to back assignments for nearly 3 standard months. Everyone was tired. 

Hunter got up to answer the holo. It was Commander Cody. Everyone stood at attention. 

“Commander.” Hunter nodded. 

“Sergeant. Sorry to disturb you, I know you’re on your way back to base. However, we have an urgent assignment that we fear only CF99 could tackle.” 

“What is this assignment Commander?” Hunter’s interest was peaked at least. 

“I’m transferring the files over now. But you should know, our men have been having issues on the front lines with our machinery no longer working. Starships falling out of the sky, weapon systems shutting down… we cannot fight against this technology and we need you all to find who is selling the separatists this system. It’s imperative we stop this threat if we want progress on the front lines.” 

“I have received the file,” Tech pushed up his goggles, “It says here you want us to go to Cantonica?” 

Cody cleared his voice, “Not the entire team. I just need your Nexu. Another Nexu brought us this information, N223. Her and her team tracked the deal all the way back to Cantonica. She’ll be waiting for N99 for the next steps. We believe it would be smartest to have the two work on this assignment.” 

Hunter stepped forwards, “Wait, You want to borrow my Nexu for a solo mission?”

Crosshair raised a brow.

Binx noticed the protective stance the Sergeant took putting himself slightly between her and the Commander’s holo. She felt her stomach fluttered at his use of “my”… the possession in his tone wasn’t helping her racing heart. Hunter’s head angled slightly towards her like he heard her heart begin to race.

“Binx doesn’t go anywhere without us.” Hunter growled growing more protective. 

Cody sighed, “I understand your concern Sergeant, but in this case it might be the only way… The arms dealer is… an exotic club owner and according to N99’s file she’s the only one experienced enough for this mission.” The commander looked like he’s rather kick rocks than have his conversation. It was known by Binx’s men that she had a special set of talents not all Nexu’s have. She graduated top of her class. If they needed her to be a damn stripper she’d be the best one this club has ever seen.

“Exotic?” Wrecker asked testing the word out on his tongue. 

“Strip club, hun.” Binx patted his arm. 

Wrecker’s cheeks flushed a vibrant red making Binx smirk. 

“Absolutely not.” Hunter crossed his arms. 

“Sir, I’ll be okay. I was trained for assignments just like this.” Binx walked over to address Hunter and Cody, “And I wont be alone. There will be another just like me.”

Hunter took a few steading breaths before finally conceding, “Fine, but if anything goes wrong Commander…” He pointed a finger at Cody.

Cody just nodded ignoring the slight threat, “I expect you all to report in, in zero six hundred.” 

“Understood.” Hunter ended the call. 

Everyone just stood there in bated silence waiting for Hunter to say something. 

He looked up at Binx, “You’re not going alone. Crosshair will pose as your body guard.” 

Not how Binx would have preferred it but it was a decent compromise. She didn’t want to argue with Hunter.

Binx nodded and looked to Crosshair, “Does that work for you Cross?” 

He nodded. 

Okay then, it was settled. 

~

“We’ve not one hour until touch down.” Tech reported with Echo from the front. 

“Cross can you get this for me?” Binx walked backwards into Cross as he took the two clasps that would hold together the golden hutanesse bikini top. 

Hunter’s heart beat suddenly became unbearable “I don’t like this!” Hunter groused from his perch on the weapons crates. 

“Oh, is it not a good color?” Binx gave herself a once over fluttering the two panels of shimmering gold fabric covering her legs. 

“I think you look pretty.” Wrecker chimed in. 

Hunter internally growled. No it’s not the outfit…. Okay maybe it is the outfit. Binx’s bronze skin glittered under the lights of the marauder as she practically pranced around naked in the intricate bikini and it had his pants tight and his blood running hot. 

“No.” Echo shook his head, “He doesn’t like the plan.” 

“It’s not just the plan.” Hunter sighed rubbing his temples trying to focus, “This is a Zygerrian front. Our target works for them. They may not be able to sell people anymore, but they’re selling weapons. They’re brutal and cruel.” He slid off the crate looking at the team trying to avoid staring at Binx’s ample cleavage thats been pushed up to the stars, “We’re exhausted. We were supposed to return to coruscant weeks ago, but we keep getting missions. I’m worried we're not on our A game. I don’t want to make a mistake that costs us.” 

“So what?” Crosshair leaned an elbow on Binx’s shoulder, “You want to disregard Cody’s orders?” 

Hunter sighed, “No. I know we can’t. I just… I don’t like this.” 

 Crosshair hummed, “We know.” 

“Let’s go over the plan one more time…” Echo reasoned, “Check for weaknesses.” 

“I need to finish my makeup.” Binx sauntered away into her quarters leaving them to strategize. 

Crosshair leaned over to whisper in Hunter’s ear, “You need to relax. Your girlfriend will be fine.” 

Hunter whipped his head to face Crosshair with a scrutinizing glare, “W-what- she’s not my girlfriend.” 

“Mhmm… and Wrecker has snack self control. Guess we’re all just lying to ourselves.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Since when do you give a shit about Binx hanging around gangbangers and slave traders. We’ve all literally seen her in action. This is not nearly as dangerous a scenario than any other.” Crosshair whispered, “Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you’ve been orchestrating the missions to keep her out of the line of fire. Dantooine, Florrum, Batuu. Now this. What changed.”

Hunter scoffed, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

Crosshair could recount even a couple of missions where Binx literally slept with the enemy and Hunter didn’t flinch… but now? Now Hunter’s acting strange. 

“Well while you figure out that little possessive thing you’ve got going on,” Crosshair stood back upright, “I hope you figure it out soon because it’s becoming pretty sad and pathetic watching her nearly die from jealousy every time you fuck some random on break.” 

Hunter suddenly met Crosshair’s glare. He couldn’t deny the race of his own heart at the realization. 

Crosshair gave him a knowing look like, yeah, I see everything you dumb idiot. 

“You’re deluded.” Hunter concluded. 

Binx was jealous? Hunter suddenly thought back to all the woman he had been sleeping with realizing Binx would never partake in the shore leave activities. She’d always make her way back to the ship before them. She used to. When they were shinies she would always venture off into the bars seduce a stranger and come back a few hours later. That was their routine until she started acting weird a few months ago. Hunter scrunched his eyes together recounting all of the details. 

Their conversation was cut off when Binx called for Crosshair in the other room. 

“Sure.” Crosshair rolled his eyes to go find Binx. 

~

“You look sharp Cross.” Binx adjusted Crosshair’s tie making sure the knots were tied correctly. 

Tech had watched several tutorials. 

“I’ve never worn a suit before.” He tugged at the sleeve cuffs feeling a little restricted. 

“Not as good mobility, it will taking a bit to get used to.” Tech replied. 

“You can hide a pistol here.” Binx stepped forwards tucking the weapon into his belt, “Most pimps usually have some sort of weapon on them, they wont stop you at the door if you have the credentials.”

“Civs carry them in their belts like that?” Echo asked scrutinizing the placement. 

Binx chuckled, “Yeah, they think it makes them look cool.” 

“Terrible blaster safety.” Tech shook his head. 

Binx hid her smile. 

She turned to Hunter, “We’re ready Sarge.”

He nodded gathering their supplied and hitting the hatch. 

Binx was grabbing the last of her things including her purse of gadgets when Hunter suddenly grabbed her arm, “I want you to be careful. I-I’m really getting a bad feeling about this.” 

Binx took a moment to look him thoughtfully in the eyes, “You know I’ll be safe. I always am.” She was touched that he cared so much. She had to force herself to not think too much into it though. 

He sighed and nodded knowing she was right. 

He’s known her for most of his life now. He knows she doesn’t make mistakes. But he still couldn’t shake the feeling like this was wrong regardless of what Crosshair said. 

“I don’t like you being a lone wolf.” Hunter whispered, “I just want you to be careful. If it doesn’t feel right just get out of there.” 

“Hunter,” Binx placed a warm hand on his armored chest plate, “I’m not alone, I’m meeting another Nexu, and Crosshair will be with me. He’ll protect me and then you guys will all be on standby not far away. We’ve been in way worse positions.”

Hunter again knew she was right. He closed his eyes for just a brief second before forcing himself to release her arm and step back to let her pass. She dragged her hand across his armor as she walked by trying to give him reassurance of her safety.

It didn’t… Hunter still had a pit in his stomach over the whole thing.

~

Once they made it to the club, the squad broke off, leaving Crosshair and Binx to que up at the back entrance to the club.

This part of Canto Bight was different from the main street. It was a little darker and seemed to be filled with more deviant activity. Gambling, strip clubs, fight clubs… this seemed to the be the “underground” for the rich and wealthy.

“You remember the plan?” Crosshair asked one final time grabbing his forged credentials.

“You and I scope out the building, I map the club and meet up with the Nexu and distract the dealer. You let the others in so they can get the data drive and then we dip.”

“Bonus points if we snipe the arms dealer.” He said sarcastically.

“I like your style.” She smiled.

Crosshair scanned his credentials and they were both let inside. Once thought the door, Binx stripped off the lush fur coat revealing her “working” outfit. Crosshair took the coat and looped it over his arm before leading her further inside. They walked through hallways filled with females in various states of undress and men yelling and laughing as they drank the night away.

“I wont be able to com you, so meet me back here in one hour.” Binx touched Crosshair’s hand before slinking off into the crowd. 

He watched her disappear and transform into her alter ego. It was mesmerizing to watch as she sashayed through the club taking on this persona and interacting with all of the patrons and members like she’s worked there for ten years. Her usual walk became hyper feminine with a swish of her hips and her smile beamed from across the room. Crosshair let out a low whistle watching her disappear into the crowd. 

“She’s in.” Crosshairs commed to the others who responded with a confirmation. 

~

Binx found herself sat in a pretty central booth squished between to boisterous patrons who begged for her good luck while they played a round of sabbac. 

Binx’s giggles were interrupted when a woman approached the table with a charming smile, 

“Raya, your shifts almost up!” 

N223. 

Binx smiled and moved to get up but she was firmly planted on the lap of the man to her right, “Ahh just a little longer sweetheart? We have one more round!” 

“Awh,” Binx ran her fingers down his chin and jawbone, “I’ll be right back baby, don’t worry.” 

He let her go and she left with a wave and a smile before linking arms with the strange girl. 

They walked back towards the dressing rooms before disappearing down an abandoned hallway. 

“I was hoping you were her.” She replied turning into an abandoned supply closet. 

Raya was the codeword they were all given in training to use to identify one another without having to share real names. 

Binx never knew her sisters in the agency. She was instructed not to know one another. It was all apart of the safety precautions the GAR took to keep them all alive.

“I haven’t ever seen you here before so I took the risk.” She said. 

“How long have you been here?” Binx asked. 

“Nearly a month. My men have been stationed here secretly to monitor the arms manufacturers and report back to the chancellor.” 

“Do you have the data chip?” Binx asked. 

The girl shook her head, “Everything is on Armado’s central data drive. I haven’t been able to get into his office alone.” 

“Is that the arms dealer?” 

“And owner of the club. He’s using this as a front to launder his wealth.” 

Binx nodded, “Will you introduce me to him?” 

“Who? Armado?” She seemed surprised. 

“Yes.” Binx nodded. 

“Yeah, but be warned, he’s very perceptive.” She lead Binx out of the supply closet. 

“Noted.” 

~

Crosshair watched Binx return with the Nexu and she gave him the signal that they were right and the data is in the main office. Crosshair reached into the pocket of Binx’s coat to retrieve a beaded bracelet. 

Well that’s what it looked like to onlookers, but with an activating touch, the beads sprung to life as tiny droids who dropped to the floor and slinked away, beginning the process of mapping the entire facility.

“Receiving data now.” Tech’s voice came thought he coms. 

“Binx says the intel is in the main office just like Cody said.” 

“Is Binx with you now?” Hunter’s voice crackled through the coms. 

Crosshairs fought the smirk, “No she’s with the N223. They’re sitting down in a booth right now. I’m assuming it’s the arms dealer.” 

“Keep a close eye on her Cross.” Hunter demanded. 

“You know I am.” 

~

“Armado, this is my friend Keeleey from back home!” The girl introduced Binx. 

“Very beautiful my lady… how is it you know my sweet Dani?” He smiled wolfishly. Binx 

noticed how he would definitely be considered attractive. The man looked like a holonet model. No wonder he’s been able to finesse such an establishment as this. 

“We grew up together, Dani said she would be able to help me find a job.” 

“Oh! You wish to dance?” 

“If there’s a spot available?” Binx made herself meek. 

Armado liked this a lot, “There’s always room for more beautiful woman as Charlyle’s!” He said with a booming laugh. The men at his booth also returned the same energetic laugh. Both Binx and Dani giggled demurely. 

“Sit! Sit! Let’s get to know one another!” He patted the cushion next to him and Binx filed in. 

~

“There’s a supply closet with a vent that leads outdoor to the east side of the building, we’ll meet you there.” Tech said through the com.

“Got it.” Crosshairs replied turning to make his way over to the east end. He passed thought what looked like private suites where maid service was on constant rotation bringing in fresh sheets and towels to the various rooms. 

Crosshairs pushed forwards noticing a few women who must be sex workers leaving the rooms looking tired and annoyed. One caught his attention and he raised a brow watching her strut away in nothing but a bedazzled thong. He let out a low whistle and carried on until he reached the supply closet.

Once inside he locked the door behind him and began clearing the shelf to help the others inside. 

Tech, Hunter, and Wrecker squeezed through the grate before filing into the storage room. 

Echo was waiting with the ship as backup incase everything went south. 

“Ready?” Hunter asked handing Crosshairs his riffle and armor. 

The others nodded before taking off down the dimly lit hallways sneaking around until they reached the emptier hallways. Guards were posted at nearly every corner. Hunter gave the hand signal and they divided into twos before silently sneaking up on the guards and knocking them out. 

They continued on until they reached the office where the little droids lead them. 

There was an intricate bio lock on the door which Tech got to work hacking through. The others stood guard watching the hallways for any accidental wandering guards. 

“She’s going to try to kill the dealer.” Crosshair whispered to Hunter. 

Hunter growled, “How?” 

“I saw her put that poison lip stuff in her bag. I think she plans on getting him alone somewhere to take him out.” 

“She calls it lipgloss.” Tech corrected. 

“Fucking Binx…” Hunter was using everything he had to remain calm despite the growing jealousy at the thought of her kissing a man… even it was to kill him…with poison…

“We’re in.” Tech pushed open the door and the others filed in. 

There wasn’t much inside the office besides some ancient artifacts he must have collected and his holo screens. Tech pulled out a fresh data stick before plugging it into the port to start copying everything. 

“You’re up Wrek.”  Hunter gave the order. 

The demolition expert started placing the small detonators all over the office including under the desk. 

“Alright, I got it.” Tech said slipping the drive into a pouch with a bunch of other drives. 

“Let’s go and Cross get Binx.” Hunter said turning out of the office only to find more guards coming down the halls. 

“Kark.” Hunter grabbed his pistol and opened fire. 

~

Binx excused herself from the table to use the restroom, but actually she was going straight for the rendezvous point expecting to find Crosshair, but the alcove was empty. 

“Shit.” She sighed finding her coat tucked into a pile of random belongings, “Where are you Cross?” 

“Where are you going?” Dani suddenly appeared looking annoyed. 

Binx was about to respond when she was suddenly confronted by Amado and his men, “Now where are you going pretty thing?” 

“Oh just to the restroom.” She looked at them, “Is everything ok?” 

“She’s the spy.” Dani ousted her, “Check her bag.” 

Binx narrowed her eyes at Dani. 

A guard snatched her purse from her and started riffling through it. 

“What the fuck?” Binx tried to save her cover, “Dani?” 

“She wont be here alone.” Dani said to Amado, “Her men are somewhere near by if they’re not already inside the building.” 

Binx realized she was working for Amado, they’ve been crossed… fuck… the boys are probably knee deep in shits creek already and thats why Crosshair missed their meetup.  

The guard emptied the purse, “it’s just girl things.” 

Dani kicked the gloss tube, “That’s poison, the hair comb is a knife, and that compact is a com to her men.” 

“Do you know anything about her?” Amado asked brushing his knuckles down Dani’s face affectionately. 

“No.” She shook her head, “We never know anything about the others.” 

Amado then looked to Binx, “bring her.” 

His men crowded in.

Fuck

~

“I’m getting real fucking tired of asking! Who are you with?!” The head of security brought the cane down on Hunter’s side with a crack making him grunt in pain.

No one had said anything… 

They had been at this for hours…

The others were bound to the wall beaten and bloody, but Hunter was bound front and center to a metal loop in the floor. Forced to kneel on wobbling feet. 

His armor had been stripped and he knew he’d be bruised from shoulders to ankles if he survived this. 

Hunter’s head was suddenly ripped to the side as a spray of blood hit the floor next to him as he man kicked him viciously but he refused to cave. 

When Hunter remained silent, the burly guard just growled and ripped out his com, “Boss, they ain't talkin.” 

“I’ll be there in a moment.” Armado replied. 

“They seemed trained for this.” Another guard pointed out from the side, “Bounty hunter’s perhaps?” 

“Nah, they’re too precise. I think they’re GAR.”

“Those ain’t clones my guy.” 

Hunter spit out a wad of bloody saliva on the floor as he recovered letting the two muscly idiots argue over their theories. He heard his lungs wheeze as he fought for air despite his nerve ending searing in pain. 

Meanwhile, Hunter’s attention was grabbed when the door slid open revealing the Dealer along with a glittery chain wrapped around his fist. With a yank, a flutter of gold and yellow stumbled after him. 

Binx.

Fuck.

He had her collared and bound. Hunter and the others looked up all noticing the way she looked like she had been roughed up a bit. She had red marks around her neck from either a pair of hands or the collar, a bloody lip and bruising wrists. They bound her arms behind her assuming she probably swung on someone.

Maker…. Hunter’s thoughts imminently went to the worst possible scenario. 

Hunter’s heartbeat began to pick up but he stilled his emotions as to got give away any weakness towards the woman.

She growled pulling back on the reigns only making Amado yank her even harder throwing her into his chest. He gave her a charming smile she knew hid his wolfish grin. He shamelessly ran his hands over her feeling her taught muscles and soft skin. Binx snarled giving him her worst glare.

“Nexu’s never run alone… are these your men, sweetheart?” He grabbed her chin forcing her to look.

In a heap in the corner Wrecker was curled up. They must have had to sedate him. Tech was bound to the wall arms above his head covered in cuts. His lithe belly was exposed showing bruising from the beating he must have taken. He was missing his helmet and goggles making him look younger, like when you had first met him. 

Crosshair was hogtied with a gag in his mouth no doubt from mouthing off. He seemed to be untouched so far despite the torn dress shirt and black eye… Then there was Hunter who heaved heavily, clearly struggling to breathe as blood was dripping from his mouth. 

Binx’s heart sunk looking at the state of her beloved sergeant. 

“Hmm. That’s what I thought.” Amado sat down in a large throne like chair. He yanked the leash, forcing Binx to stumble into his lap as she landed with a yelp. He helped her situate properly to be perched over his thigh spreading her legs for everyone’s viewing pleasure. She struggled against his grip but he just held her firmly by the scruff. 

“Now I have problem baby girl. Your boys wont talk. I get that they’re soldiers… they’re made to withstand torture… But part of me wonders how long they can really hold out…” Amado snapped at his men who walked over to Hunter. 

They unclipped his binders from the floor and dragged him to his feet re-chaining him to the chains hanging from the ceiling. They stretched his sinew body showing off his strength like a predator that’s been caught and about to be skinned. 

Gashes marred his tan skin and tattooed side making Binx fight to remain emotionless despite the overwhelming urge to cry.

One guard grabbed Hunter’s chin forcing him to look at her on Amado’s lap.

He let out a defeated whine like a kicked dog making Binx stutter her breathing

“Just know that every thing that comes after this is your choice.” Amado whispered into Binx’s ear, “You could end all of this right now and tell me what I want to know.”

Binx’s stomach suddenly turned upside down and she felt sick…this wasn’t torture for Hunter… this as torture for her.

Amado slid his hand up her side until it reached the swell of her breast. He squeezed the flesh making her purse her lips and squirm away from his touch with a hiss. Hunter opened his mouth to make a threat but the guard just elbowed him in the side with a sadistic chuckle. 

Crosshair fought against his binds wanting to clearly spit vitriol at the man for touching Binx, but the gag stopped him as he growled. 

Hunter was suddenly stripped as the guards tore away the remainder of his upper blacks revealing his tattooed body and sweaty tan skin now marred with deep discolored bruises.

They turned him around and bound his ankles to the floor keeping his back and flank in view of Amado. His rippling war built muscles ran down his entire back, glistening with sweat under the harsh lights of the cell. 

Binx wanted to throw up knowing exactly what was coming next. She didn’t even flinch when the electro whip was flicked on. 

She just closed her eyes refusing to look. 

That pissed off Amado. He slapped her viciously across the face, before grabbing her chin and forcefully making her watch as his henchmen raised the whip back before lashing it forwards and striking Hunter’s flank with precision. 

A massive red welt flourished across the once blank canvas. 

Of course he didn’t make a sound… but Binx knew… Binx knew that hurt. 

She knew it hurt more than the ache in her jaw and she forced air into her own lungs as a second lashing was delivered closer to his nape. 

Fuck… 

Binx wanted to cry. She couldn’t bear to watch this.

She felt a tear slip out of her eye as she desperately looked to Tech and Crosshair for an answer as to what she should do.

She wanted to break. She needed to. She needed to save Hunter. Give them all a little more time. Maybe she could reason with Amado, give him someone he wants in exchange for Hunter. 

They both knew what she was asking and subtly shook their head telling her to keep quiet.

She whimpered and flinched as more and more lashings rained down on Hunter’s back. Every hit made her jump and her heart fill with agony.

They were on about number eleven before Hunter started to cry out. 

His back was torn up, and blood was starting to drip from the opening wounds as he twitched in his bindings on impact. 

“You can stop this pretty girl.” He wiped the tear from Binx’s cheek. He bounced her a little bit on his knee making her sick, “Just tell me why you’re here. Who sent you?” His hands began to wander moving from playing with her tit to trailing down her belly towards the apex of her thighs, “Then you can go back to your men. Is that what you want, hmm?”

Binx didn’t… It took everything she had but she didn’t crack…

Amado was getting impatient, “So which one fucks you? Hmm?”

Binx raised her chin refusing to indulge him and kept her eyes trained on Hunter. 

“See now I thought it was pretty boy over here.” He gestured to Hunter who barely looked conscious. His bandana was long gone and his lengthy hair was sticking to his sweat covered skin. He shivered every once and while as his nerves sang from the whipping, “but now I’m wondering if it’s not one of those two… or perhaps the big guy? I’m positive I could sell him for quite a bit.” He was referring to Wrecker.

The anger growing inside Binx at the mention of something so atrocious fueled her as she suddenly decided to jerk her head back hearing the sicking sound of Amado’s nose break with a sickening snap from her headbutt. 

The man let out a pained howl as he shoved Binx to the floor. He kicked her in the ribs making her cry out before he stole a napkin from his men to plug his bleeding nose. 

“You fucking cunt!” 

Binx took a moment to force oxygen back into her lungs despite their protest and rolled to her feet determined to fight, even with her hands tied. 

When the men moved in on her she spun into a kick, landing her shoe into the throat of the man, lodging the heel deep inside his neck, making him spurt blood and gasp for air as he tumbled backwards.

“Maker…” One of the guards nearly hurled from the gore. 

Another advanced on Binx but she rolled backwards side stepping the electro whip, then stepped on it before kicking her other leg into the man’s jaw. He went flying backwards and stumbling into the wall. Binx was making a dive for the whip until someone else managed to wrangle her leash into his hands tugging her upwards until her toes were barely touching the ground as he slowly strangled her. 

She thrashed and tried to scream but no sound came. 

“Don’t kill her.” Amado growled. 

Binx was set down gasping for air and coughing as the leash was tugged firmly again.

“She wont fucking talk… fine…” Amado took her leash from his men and used it to throw her onto the metal slab where all of the various torture tools resided. The metal items went scattering all over the floor as her body made contact roughly. He tugged it all the way up, dragging her with it before clasping it around one of the legs keeping her taut. 

“But they will…” 

Amado motioned to the men to pin her to the table despite her vicious movements. They struggled grabbing her as she was as slippery as an eel. They were also afraid of her deadly shoes. But once one ankle was caught, the other came shortly after. They used leather straps to tie her ankles to the table legs making her scream and cry out at being bound so vulnerably.

“Kriff.” Tech shook his head looking down at the ground. Crosshair began fighting desperately against his bindings praying one of the knots would give way. 

All the while Hunter couldn’t even lift his head but he closed his eyes unable to listen to what was coming next… 

Her collar was suddenly yanked up and restrained to the top of the table keeping her immobile like a wild fathier. 

“Let me go!” She snarled trying to test the bindings.

Amado looked to his men sideways, “Do it…”

Crosshair snarled through the gag forcing himself on his back trying anything to free himself. 

Amado smirked seeing the way the three men looked pained and desperate, watching his men close in on their precious Nexu. 

“Talk… or my men will have their way with her!” Amado yelled in Hunter’s face. 

Binx snarled and writhed in her binds making it difficult for the man to grab at her clothes. He did however reach the panties under the yellow panels of fabric. He yanked them down tearing the fabric in his hands. He tauntingly waved them around flinging them in their direction. 

Crosshair’s muffled yell through the gag made Amado chuckle.

Instead he turned to Hunter, He leaned forwards until only Hunter would be able to hear, “I bet you’re the one fucking her… How does it feel watching my men have your woman? Hmm?” He suddenly grabbed Hunter’s chin making him watch as the man saddled between Binx’s flailing legs was unzipping his pants. 

“Fuck…” Hunter ground out trying to shake his head but Amado’s grip made it impossible, “Fuck! Fine! Just Stop!” 

Hunter yelled making everyone stop.

Everyone froze in place including Binx who frankly didn’t expect him to crack… not the Sergeant. 

Crosshair looked at his brother with concern… 

“Just let her go.” Hunter’s head slumped.

“Not until you tell me what I need to know.” Amado stood over Binx and played with her tits again, “I might just kill the four of you and keep her all for myself. She’d make me a pretty credit or two…” 

Hunter growled threateningly, “We were sent by the GAR… We’re from the GAR…. We are supposed to retrieve your data drive. Something about a separatists weapon’s system.” 

“And did you get this data drive?” Amado asked pinking her nipple through the fabric making Binx spit at him. 

“No!” Hunter bit out, “Fuck! Just let her go!” 

Amado seemed pleased. 

He released Binx and his man stepped away from her looking satisfied. 

“A man’s greatest weakness…” He looked at Binx then to Hunter, “It’s always a woman…” 

Hunter slumped in his binders relieved she’s at least not actively in danger anymore. 

Amado looked to his men, “Free her… then kill the others…” 

“No!” Binx screamed flailing against the table trying to free herself, “Please! No!” 

Blasters were raised and Hunter gathered all of his strength left to look at Binx one last time before the guns went off. 

Binx froze in her spot as her entire world began to spiral when she locked eyes with her Sergeant. This can’t be happening. No… Binx was becoming hysterical, screaming in horror watching the muzzle of the rifle be pressed with Hunter’s head. 

Right as the triggers were almost pulled, a detonator tumbled through the vent bouncing in to the room twice before exploding leaving the room shrouded in grey gas. 

Blasters went off as counter fire was returned. 

…Echo…

Thank the maker.

Binx nearly cried from relief as she felt Tech and Crosshair’s hands working on her bindings. 

Echo shot Wrecker with a chemical adrenaline hit, waking up the giant. 

Wrecker rose to his feet swinging like nothing had happened at all. Echo hit every target with precision as men in suits began dropping like flies. 

“Let me up!” Binx growled rolling over for Tech to cut her arm bindings. Once freed, she then snatched the blade from Hunter’s discarded belt and blaster before prowling through the fog looking for her target. Once she heard that ridiculous voice she locked in and ran forwards until she collided with his body. 

Amado went flying to the ground looking stunned as she tackled him.

Binx raised the blaster and he covered his face horrified to realize who was now on the other side of the gun. 

Instead of ending it all now, she lowered the weapon and shot him at the apex of his thighs. 

The man let out a tortured scream filling Binx with joy as she blasted a hole right through his manhood. 

“You sick bastard!” Her voice was chilling in its ferocity. 

Amado wailed in agony rolling around on the ground as chaos ensued in the club. He tried his hardest to roll onto his hands and knees to crawl away but Binx was stalking him like the predator that she is. 

She kicked him viciously in the side to match the one he landed on her mere minutes ago. She flopped onto his back growling and baring his teeth. He let out a pathetic resigned chuckle, “I knew it.” He spit out a wad of blood, “It was pretty boy.” 

Binx roared before unloading the clip into his chest. 

When she released the trigger, lowered the gun, and watched the life leave his eyes, Binx knew she had done Hunter right.

“Binx!” Crosshair ran up to the Nexu and wrapped her up in his arms, “Are you alright?” 

…She’s never been hugged by Crosshairs before…

“Yeah Cross, are you?” She was in more disbelief over that than anything.

“I’m fine. We have Hunter, we need to go.” He lead Binx back towards the others. Tech and Echo had Hunter slumped over their shoulders as Wrecker took the lead, guiding them out of the building. 

Once they had all climbed through the vent and crawled out onto the neighboring roof, Binx realized there was once last loose end.

“The Nexu… she’s the double agent. She sold us out. She’s working for them.” Binx told Crosshair.

Crosshair looked confused for only a second before grabbing his riffle and running to the front of the building, “Wrecker… hit the detonators.”

“Right now?” Wrecker was confused.

“I need to flush her out.” Crosshairs replied.

“Okay.” Wrecker grabbed the detonator and pushed the button.

There was a loud bang before people started screaming and running out of the club. Crosshair watched closely as the entire building evacuated.

Binx and Echo ran to the other sides to make sure she didn’t magically disappear when the sound of fire puncher went off and you all knew the job as done… no loose ends. Just how Hunter liked it.

“Let’s go home.” Echo said leading the way back to the marauder.

~

Once the hatch closed, everything was a madhouse. 

Tech and Echo carried Hunter back to the bunks while Wrecker tried his best to get the ship up in the air. 

Binx held back a whimper seeing the way their sergeant’s boots dragged limply under him along the durasteel floors dripping with his crimson blood. She prayed he was blacked out from the pain so he’d at least be out of his misery for a while. 

She felt a hand on her shoulder making her jump, “It’s not your fault.” Crosshair looked her deadpan in the eyes, “We all know what we’re supposed to do. We know what’s at risk. But know, he’s going to be beating himself up the second he wakes up… but it’s not your fault…” 

Binx nodded blinking away the tears. He cracked because of her…

“I-I’m going to go treat him now.” She forced the emotions down knowing now Hunter was going to need her to lock in now. They were all going to have to focus in order to survive this.

Crosshairs nodded letting her go.

Binx ran to the storage compartment and grabbed her kit. Forcing herself to flip into medic mode, she took off towards the bunks. 

Tech and Echo cleared out of the way to give her space as she knelt down on the floor next to Hunter’s bunk. 

He was slumped belly down with his exposed back. She had to fight back the nausea seeing the state of his flesh.

The lashes went deep. It tore through his muscles and there was blood everywhere. It looked horrific. Like he had been mauled by an actual Nexu. 

To be certain he wouldn’t feel anything, she grabbed a sedative to keep him unconscious for the worst of it. 

Once she was certain he was knocked out, she began the meticulous process of cleaning the wounds. It took nearly all the bacta they had to cover the wounds as she very carefully laser sutured him back together. 

She tried to best to repair him in a way that wouldn’t scar him too bad, but she knew he was going to need the bacta tank back on base for the deeper wounds. 

Once she was satisfied with her work, she bandaged him up and applied the cold packs before collapsing on the floor next to him entirely exhausted now that the adrenaline had completely worn off. She sat there shaking, feeling all of the trauma in her body struggle to escape now that she was safe and out of harms way. 

Binx’s injuries were starting to ache but instead of treating them, she decided to rip off one of the blankets and curl up on the floor next to Hunter incase he woke up for anything. Her bruises and cuts can he tended to later. Right now she couldn’t bring herself to leave him. 

She felt Hunter’s soft breath breeze across her own face as she laid on the ships floor. The steady rhythm was enough to allow her to close her own eyes trying to process everything that had just happened. 

The hours ticked on like this. 

The others would periodically check in to see if either of them needed anything but Binx just ignored them, not moving from her pallet on the floor. 

Crosshair had offered to watch Hunter for a bit but Binx declined. 

He noticed her slight protectiveness developing as she refused to leave Hunter’s side like a loyal hound. She wouldn’t even take her eyes off of his sleeping form no matter how uncomfortable she was or how cold. It didn’t matter. Crosshair was starting to get worried. 

But wouldn’t deny her, so he continued on back to the cockpit with the others.

Tech had patched himself up and was on his way back to a full recovery while Crosshair helped Echo go through the data drive.

They had found endless amounts of arms deals and tech schematics. 

There was even the manufacturer’s information of the tech Cody was looking for. 

Luckily their mission was a success, and all of this wasn’t for nothing… they had that at least.

However, it still shook the others to see Hunter in this condition along with Binx’s newly developed sense of resource guarding. She was like a feral hound, unable to leave Hunter’s side and she’d snarl and lash out at anyone that tried to move her.

She flinched when Echo tried placing a blanket over her.

After nearly half a day of them being in hyperspace, she abandoned the floor and opted for something even closer to their sleeping leader. Crosshairs caught her nuzzling into the far side of Hunter’s bunk, tucking herself into Hunter’s side and curling in on herself like a house tooka. 

They didn’t know what to do with her. 

She wouldn’t budge. 

Something was wrong…

~

“Do you think she’s okay?” Echo asked quietly.

“I think she feels guilty for not ending Hunter’s suffering sooner.” Tech replied fiddling with some spare parts.

“She knows the protocol.” Echo nodded, “But it doesn’t make it any easier…”

“I can hardly wait for Hunter to wake up…” Crosshairs groaned, “He’s going to be absolutely insufferable.”

“You know he couldn’t let them do that to her.” Echo defended.

“You don’t think I know that?” Crosshairs snapped, “None of us could. But his self loathing is even worse than yours Echo.”

Echo narrowed his eyes challengingly, “Say that again toothpick…”

“Okay, enough fighting.” Wrecker sighed, “Can we just wait until he wakes up to see whats going on? Binx is acting crazy.”

“She’s literally gone feral.” Crosshair shook his head, “Nearly took my hand off trying to feed her.”

“Well someone should definitely pry Binx out of Hunter’s cot and get her in the shower. It’s been two days.” Tech looked up from his work to adjust his goggles, “Her preference of coping is interfering with her overall health. I believe, as her squad, it’s imperative we at least do this for her in her fragile state.”

“I’d rather not loose my balls, Tech.” Crosshairs crossed his arms. He knows exactly how vicious the woman could get when provoked. He didn’t want to be in the crossfire.

“I’ll do it.” Wrecker stood up, “She wont be mean to me.”

“That is true.” Tech replied, “She needs to wash and change her clothes. This cannot go on much longer for her mental state.” 

Wrecker stood and stretched his limbs before making his way to the bunks. He gave the guys one last cautious look before entering the metaphorical “Nexu den”. 

~

Frankly, Binx wasn’t the only one stinking up the cabin, Hunter’s grimy bloody body wasn’t helping much either. Those two needed a thorough scrub down.

Wrecker wrinkled his nose before shaking it off and forcing himself to focus at the task in hand.

Get Binx out of Hunter’s bed without loosing a hand.

Get her into the shower and changed into clean clothes.

Easier said than done…

He shuffled his cumbersome body over between the cots and nudged Binx’s ankle. She instantly recoiled and tucked herself tighter into a ball practically nosing her way under Hunter’s limp arm.

“Binx…” Wrecker whispered softly.

She groaned lowly… a warning.

“The others think it’s time for you to take a bath and change into some real clothes.” Wrecker whispered loudly.

“You reek.” Crosshair added from the hall way.

Wrecker sighed at his brother, “You’re not helping.”

“It’s true.”

“C’mon Binx…” Wrecker reached forwards to scoop up the petite soldier, but she just doubled down and wrapped herself around Hunter’s arm causing Wrecker to drop her back onto the mattress not wanting to hurt his brother.

“No, Wrek.” She snarled.

“Binx.” Crosshairs sighed.

“I can’t leave him.” She whined refusing to look at them… She wrapped herself closer to Hunter,  “He told me it was a bad plan… he fucking knew…. He said he thought it was going to go south…”

They both just sat there in silence unsure how to proceed with her hysterics. Clearly there was something more happening here…

“He’s not going to wake up in the ten minutes you take to shower and change.” Crosshair sighed trying to reason with her.

“It’s okay Binx, sarge would want you to take care of yourself.” Wrecker said thoughtfully.

“But what if he needs me?” She whispered sniffling and reaching up to brush Hunter’s hair out of his eyes.

“Then we’ll tell you.” Crosshair stepped forwards, “Tech will monitor his vitals while you’re gone okay?”

She didn’t agree, but instead she just huffed in resignation.

Crosshair gave Wrecker a nod.

Wrecker tried to pick her up again and this time she didn’t fight back, but she definitely didn’t take her eyes off the disheveled presence of their fearless leader’s limp frame.

He carried her dutifully all the way to the fresher, gently setting her down inside. Her limbs were stiff from not moving for too many hours and she forced herself to stretch.

Wrecker turned on the water waiting for it to get hot.

“We’ll come get you if he wakes up okay?” Wrecker reassured.

She nodded watching him leave her to her own privacy. She turned to look in the mirror noticing all of the smeared makeup from her sobbing along with the bruises forming on her jaw and neck. She didn’t even want to know what her legs looked like.

She was truly horrified at her appearance. She could vomit.

She began to strip out of the tattered lingerie leaving it in a heap on the floor before removing all of the jewelry and accessories. She threw them down on the floor too, too disgusted to even look at them. 

She stepped into the hot water relishing in the feeling before getting to work and scrubbing herself down head to toe as thoroughly and quickly as possible. She scrubbed until no more blood washed down the drain and all the grime was gone.

She didn’t want to take too much time, what if Hunter woke up?

She hurried through her routine before shutting off the water and toweling off. She wrapped the towel around herself before leaving the fresher to turn down the hall towards her bunk. She skittered across the cold durasteel floor not wasting any time before digging around to find her civvies.

She yanked on the loose pants and baggy t-shirt before pulling on a pair of socks and running her fingers through her wet hair. She returned the towel back to the rack before making her way towards the sergeants quarters.

That was until Echo intercepted her, “Nuh uh, you’re eating something first.” 

“B-but..” 

“Nope. No if, ands, or buts…” Echo guided her to the galley where there was hot steaming packet of food waiting for her. Crosshair and Wrecker sat there leaving room for her. 

She sighed… they ambushed her… 

When she sat down they shoved the rations in her face and watched her eat every last bite before making her wash it down with two cups of cold water. 

“You’re acting like I’m dying.” She bit out. 

“You’re being weird.” Crosshair pointed his toothpick at her. 

She just starred at him. 

“Are you feeling bad about Hunter?” Wrecker asked softly. 

Binx sat there silently. The guilt was eating her alive-

Crosshair narrowed his eyes, “Wait, did you want them to go through with it?” 

“No!” Binx recoiled, “O-Of course not!… b-but…. Hunter shouldn’t have taken the lashing for me…I-it’s my job… as fucked up as that is. He shouldn’t have given up the information… We were lucky Echo came in time. I should have just told Amado. I should have bought you all more time.” Her tears began to fall. 

“Binx…” Wrecker looked horrified. 

“You know Hunter could never let that happen to you.” Echo said definitively. 

“He would literally drive himself mad and get himself killed if anything happened to you.” Crosshair rubbed his temples.

“We’re soldiers Cross… we’re supposed to be immune to torture and extraction.” Binx looked down at her hands, “Even if it gets us killed… but I couldn’t do it. I-I…” She sobbed, “I should’ve let them… H-Hunter…”

“Stop. They wouldn’t have killed you.” Crosshair’s voice turned cold, “They would have raped you, over, and over again, taking turns, in front of us until one of us cracked, you understand that right? And after they got what they wanted from us, we would’ve been executed, and he’d sell you to his clients until you wear out your usefulness to put it nicely… What Hunter did was the only thing to do… fuck protocol… you’re one of us Binx…So stop that.” 

“We don’t follow orders anyways.” Wrecker added.

The tears were streaming from in Binx’s eyes… she forced herself to blink them away knowing Crosshair was undoubtably right.

“Hunter knows this, kid… No point in beating yourself up over it.” Echo patted her shoulder 

“…thank you…for saving me.” Binx said softly trying to fight back the sob that threatened to break loose.

“You’re one of us Binx. We’re family.” Wrecker wrapped his arm around her tousling her around a bit making her smile.

“Feeling better?” Echo asked. 

“Yeah.” She smiled, “Got another ration pack I can have?”

~

It didn’t take long before Binx’s tummy was full and she returned back to Hunter’s quarters to take Tech’s place. This time, she took the time to give Hunter a sponge bath to the best of her ability. She couldn’t lift him on her own, so settled with reaching any available exposed skin. 

Once the rag no longer ran red with blood, she set it aside and leaned against his cot near his head. His steady breathing chilled her neck as she sat in silence hoping he’d wake soon. 

She must have dozed off because the suddenly pained wheeze and ruffling of bedsheets snapped her awake.

“Ahh!” Hunter whined trying to lift his head.

Everything in his body was screaming in pain. 

“Fuck.” He bit out.

Grabbing the pain meds, she injected him instantly, “relax, relax…” Binx breathed out instantly sending her hands to his head where she tried to soothe him with little scalp rubs. He let out a pathetic whine, relaxing into her soft hands. “We made it back to the ship, we’re almost back to base.”

“Binx?” His groggy voice cracked.

“Yeah it’s me.” She replied combing his hair from his eyes.

“You’re okay?” He asked with a smushed face in the pillow.

“Yeah, Hunt. I’m okay.” She continued to soothe him pushing his hair from his eyes so she could look at him.

That got him to settle back down into the sheets. The fight going from his body as the medications mingled with his nervous system.

“Did we get the data drive?” 

“Yeah, Tech has it.” 

“Any loose ends?” 

Binx sighed, “No, no loose ends.” 

“What happened?” 

“The Nexu was a double agent. She sold us out to Amado.” 

“Is he dead?” The anger was palpable on his tongue. 

“Yeah. He’s dead.” She said coldly. 

“...You?”

“Yes.” She nodded confirming his suspicion. 

He tried to nod, “Good. I hope it felt good.” 

“It did.” 

“Good girl.” He rumbled feeling the drowsiness finally hit. 

Her stomach fluttered at the praise as she settled back on the floor to get some much needed rest. In that moment Binx swore she wouldn’t leave his side until they got to the medial sector back on coruscant.

She wouldn’t ever abandon Hunter. 

~

“C’mon vod, we gotta get you clean you smell like a rancor!” Echo begged as Wrecker, Tech, and Cross fought to wrangle Hunter into the fresher.

“I got it!” Hunter snarled, “I can do it myself!”

“You’re standing like a baby gallaze, you haven’t used your legs in almost a week.” Tech pointed out the fact they were quite literally carrying their leader from the bacta tank.

“I knifing got it!” Hunter bit out, but his brothers ignored his attempt at keeping his dignity. 

Binx waited anxiously outside as they removed his medical scrubs and tried to wash down their brother, all crammed in the fresher together.

“Maker Tech! I don’t need you doing that for me!” Hunter cried out in horror making Binx cringe… she knew exactly what part of the sponge bath they were getting to. Though she knew it would have been worse to have her do it…medic or not.

“You’re drowning him Cross!” Wrecker cried.

“Good… he stinks!” Crosshair sprayed the hose over Hunters head making him sputter for air. 

“Grab the shampoo!” Tech commanded. 

Crosshair tossed it to him and he squirted it out to rub it all over Hunter’s head like a dog. 

“Argh!” Hunter growled getting soap in his eye. 

Binx bit back a laugh knowing he could definitely hear her from the other end of their shared apartment. 

“Okay, okay I think he’s clean.” Echo coached from the side. Poor guy wasn’t able to get his prosthetics wet without some serious tlc following so he steered clear of the splash zone.

Once Hunter was dried off and dressed in some fresh civvies, they guided him over to the couch next to Binx. 

“You doing okay Sarge?” She took pity on the man. 

He looked at her with annoyance, “How long till I stop wobbling?” 

“A few hours.” She replied, “Thats the longest I’ve ever seen someone in the tank before.” 

“They cut me pretty deep, huh?” He said stretching his limbs testing the new ligaments. 

Binx nodded, “Mind if I look?” 

He shifted over letting her see his flank. 

She tenderly lifted the fabric of his shirt to see that there were no ridges of bumps just lighter lines from the new skin cells. She couldn’t help but run her fingers over the new skin noticing the way his skin pebbled, reacting to her soft touch. He sucked in a shaky breath. 

He cleared his throat flinching slightly. 

“Everything ok back there doc?” He asked turning his head so she couldn’t see the flash to his cheeks. 

She withdrew her fingers, “Yeah… you look brand new.” Her cheeks heated realizing her touch was lingering just a little too long. She just couldn’t help herself. 

“Good.” He said gruffly. 

She felt the nervousness flutter in her tummy and her heart start to accelerate slightly, so she stood up and announced she’d be making some dinner trying to change the topic and the awkwardness. The room suddenly felt a little too small.  

“Oh yay, I love when Binx cooks.” Wrecker skipped into the kitchen at the mention of food. 

The others followed her into the kitchen to help while Hunter allowed himself to settle into their GAR assigned apartment. One nice perk of being a special ops team with a Nexu was government living. No barracks once Binx was given to them. 

Crosshair sat next to him also sinking into the cushy couch Binx had definitely stolen from the lower levels. 

“Crosshair can you fill me in on everything that has happened since I was on leave.” Hunter asked trying to settle into the couch and start moving his legs again. He refused to look at Binx realizing there was still unspoken tension there.

He couldn’t quite get those horrible images of her being stretched across that table out of his mind.

Crosshair just raised a brow and crossed his arms smirking as turned to face his older brother.

Binx and the others quickly got to work putting together their supper making a ruckus. Giggling and making a mess.

“She’s been beating herself up for days.” Crosshairs murmured so she couldn’t hear, “When we first got into hyperspace, she slept on the floor of your bunk for two days, nearly took off Echo’s other arm when he tried to get her to eat.”

“What?” Hunter’s eyes widened. He stole a quick glance up at Binx as she was cutting some kind of root vegetable.

“Then when she got sick of that, she curled up in your bunk for the remainder of the flight. Wrecker had to literally pry her off of you she was so hysterical.”

“You’re lying.” Hunter shook his head. He’s seen Binx cry before, but she was a soldier, she never let her emotions get in the way of anything. She was tough as nails.

“It scared the shit out of us. We thought something happened to her psychologically. Like they broke her or she snapped.” Crosshair kept his voice low, “She’s been nagging the doctors on base the whole week. She was posted at your tube like a watch dog filling out all the reports and what not… frankly Hunter if you don’t make a move at this point you’ll be a fool. That girl is in love with you.” 

Hunter sighed, “Cross, you know I can’t.” To hear this was a shock. But there was a bright glow growing in his chest knowing Binx might actually have feelings for him. That it wasn’t just one sided. 

“Fuck the rules Hunter…” Crosshair growled, “I’m so sick of watching you two throwing looks when you don’t think the other is looking. We all know you both have this weird thing going on… everyone’s just waiting for you to finally do something about it.” 

“I’m her sergeant. I can’t…” 

“I don’t think she cares one bit Hunt.” 

Hunter took a breath forcing the air into his lungs. He couldn’t deny the excitement at Crosshair’s words, but there was still that overly responsible part of him that forced him to stay seated on the couch. 

“Just consider it.” Crosshair got up, “The thought of you dying nearly killed her too.” 

Hunter watched his brother get up and go into the kitchen to lend a hand in whatever precision chopping Binx ordered him to do. 

Meanwhile, Hunter had a lot of thinking to do. 

~

Sinking into his bed was one of the most orgasmic feelings he’s had in a long time. His favorite part of shore leave was always sinking into bed and finally getting some decent rest. 

Hunter shut off his lamp and pulled the covers up, closing his eyes. 

He was nearly asleep until he heard the soft patter of light feet outside his door and the frantic sound of a racing heart. 

Her scent hit him nearly immediately. 

He sat up and rubbed his eyes, “Binx… I know you’re out there.” 

She suddenly stopped pacing, “S-sorry Hunter.” 

“You okay?” He asked. 

“Yeah Sarge.” She said softly. 

He got up kicking the blankets off of him before walking to the door and pushing the open

button. 

Outside he found Binx hugging herself looking like a lost tooka. 

“Binx…” 

She rushed forwards taking him by surprise as she stood up on her tippy toes to press her mouth to his. 

Hunter stood there in slight shock taken aback by the fact the girl’s been hyper fixated on since being put in the field was standing before him right now kissing him. 

She pulled back suddenly with a horrified expression, “S-sorry. I-I don’t know what-“ 

Hunter surged forwards swooping her up into his arms to press another, much deeper kiss. One that Binx swore she could feel all of his pent up feeling seeping in. She opened her mouth letting him dominate her through the kiss.

She whimpered running her fingers straight into his midnight locks. 

He growled as she tugged slightly unable to help herself. 

His hands became a bit more greedy as he pulled her up and towards him lifting her frame up onto his. She curled around him so naturally it felt like she was made for him. He stepped back into his room locking the door and leading them both to his bed.

He broke the heady kiss to set her down but she was already pouting at being separated from him. 

Hunter sat up looking down at her, crossing his arms, “Crosshair told me what happened.” He was giving her a stern look making her squirm. 

She suddenly looked away unable to hold his intense gaze… she knew he’d want to talk about it… mood killer…

His thumb went under her chin lifting it up to look at him, “You can’t do that again. If anything ever happens to me you have to promise me to stay put together.” It was taking every bit of strength he had right now to “Sergeant Hunter” instead of kissing the woman beneath him. Whose heart was racing and the scent of her arousal was permeating the room. She squirmed clearly yearning for his touch, but also undeniably turned on by his authority. 

She huffed with emotion and her voice croaked, “I thought you were going to die, and it was going to be all my fault.” 

He closed his eyes for a second before looking at her softly, “Promise me.”

She gazed up at him, “I promise Hunter.” She sniffled.

He wiped the rogue tear on her cheek and crawled up onto the mattress settling himself between her knees. He bowed his head and ran his calloused hands up her thigh, “I’ve never been more scared in my life, Binx…”

“They almost-“ he had to stop himself, he couldn’t even thick about it. 

“You saved me. I’m okay.” She felt him wrap his arms around her. 

“I knew you shouldn’t have been on this assignment.” He sighed, “I knew better.” 

“We got the order, we followed through. It’s our job Hunt, sometimes it gets messy.” She was trying to comfort him. 

He squeezed her tighter, “They shouldn’t be sending you on these kinds of missions.” 

“I’m not a soldier Hunter, I’m a nexu, these are the missions I was selected for.” She reasoned, “You might not like it, but it’s what I’m trained for, it’s who I am.” 

“Asking that of you… is wrong.” He couldn’t get the images of Amado’s men out of his head. 

“An unfortunate side effect of the job I fear.” She sighed, “But from now on, if you get a weird feeling about it, I’ll stay away.” 

He sighed, “I can’t ask you do that. We’re a team.” 

“Then we’ll make it work.” She smiled, “But please never make me watch you get tortured ever again. I’ve had nightmares for almost two weeks.” 

He chuckled, “I’ll try my best mesh’la.” 

“Good.” She smirked, “Now… kiss me.” 

Hunter didn’t hesitate he nearly knocked her over backwards as he smashed his mouth against hers with no abandon. 

Binx moaned into the kiss letting Hunter pin her to his mattress. He wasted no time tearing open her sleep top to get at her skin making her flush with excitement. 

She yelped when he latched himself to her left tit murmuring something about how perfect she looked. She just giggled and massaged his scalp as he shifted to the other, lavishing it with attention before traveling south.

“Oh fuck.” She sighed. She hanse’t felt something like this in so long. 

Her job requires her to use her body was a weapon and tool, but for the first time in a very long time she was only feeling pleasure as Hunter’s soft lips and stubble tickled her the closer he moved to her core. 

She arched feeling his fingers hook into her sleep shorts as he shimmied them down just to throw them to the side. 

She spread her legs enticing the sergeant as she cupped her breast and squeezed while she watched him palm himself through his boxers. One hand found itself against Binx’s hot slick cunt expertly rubbing her clit in adoring strokes. She nearly choked with pleasure. Oh fuck… this is what she’s been missing all this time. 

“I’ve thought about this too many times.” She purred toeing at the waist band of his boxers.  

He hummed, “Me too.” He back away from her standing up to remove his boxers. 

She smirked watching him strip. 

She chewed her lip seeing his thick tanned cock spring free leaking pre cum, “So much better than the fantasies.”

Maker, this woman was going to kill him. 

She wasted no time reaching for him pumping his throbbing cock a few times before he guided himself towards her. He laid on top of her, pinning her with his weight, and pressed a kiss to her jaw before sloppily kissing her neck making her whine in desperation. 

When he was satisfied with the little love bites, he traveled south kissing down her sternum, then her lithe belly, until he reached the apex of her thigh.

She whined realizing he was planning on making her wait for the main course as he began kissing around her cunt teasing her slightly.

“Hunter please.” It was killing her not to have him inside of her… stretching her, filling her, claiming her. 

“Patience Mesh’la, let me have this.” He nuzzled Binx’s dripping cunt, “I’ve been dreaming about this for too long.” 

She just whined and settled back into the pillow letting him do as he pleased. He gave a teasing lick making her jolt as pleasure began to thrum inside her body. Hunter spread her thighs as far as they would go and began feasting on her glistening cunt like a starved man. 

She cried out writhing against his sheets unable to fight the urge to fist his pretty hair. He smiled into her briefly before continuing the little licks and sucks making her gasp for air.

When he was certain she was going to cum, he doubled down sucking her clit diligently making her nearly levitate from the bed as she orgasmed screaming out his name.

“Fuck mesh’la,” He said up looking cocky, “If I had known you tasted so sweet, I would have had you sitting on my face a long time ago.”

“Fuck Hunter.” Binx fought for her breath.

He pumped his cock watching her catch her breath, “You going to be good for me again, ad’ika?”

“Yes, sir.” She whimpered spreading her thighs again and chewing on her lip.

“Good girl.” He surged forwards pressing his cock to her sloppy entrance. The stretch at first was a bit of a challenge, but Binx willed herself to relax taking Hunter’s thick cock as well as she could. She whined feeling him finally bottom out filling her to the absolute brim. Hunter made a broken sigh, feeling her hot warmth pulse around him. He was in heaven. 

“So tight baby.” He muttered trying to find his strength to move, he was still a little fatigued from the bacta tank, but he’d be damned if he didn’t give this woman everything he had. 

“Hunter please move.” She was getting squirmy, grabbing at his hair and shoulders trying to beg him to move.

He grunted and began a leisurely pace making her moan into his skin. She pawed greedily at his muscles feeling their contractions all in order to bring her pleasure. He was so damn muscly. She couldn’t help but give him love bites wanting nothing more than to have his scent pressed so close to her. 

Hunter nuzzled into her neck mouthing at the juncture between her shoulder and neck before biting down and speeding up his pace. Binx cried out as he slammed his hips against hers feeling the squelch of her dripping cunt suck him in further.

She scratched her nails down his back fighting for purchase somewhere as he drilled her into the mattress while she repeated his name like a prayer. 

It didn’t take long for her to cum, not with Hunter using his skillful hands to rub little circles into her clit. 

Once Binx came for a second time that night, Hunter began to loose his rhythm.

Binx decided she wanted him to enjoy this, and used her strength to push him over, rolling the two of them together so she could ride him with no abandon. Hunter wasn’t surprised by her dominance in the slightest. In fact he often fantasized about her in this exact scenario. 

Hunter imminently matched her pace thrusting up to meet her with enthusiasm. It didn’t take long before he was reaching that crest. 

Hunter writhed against the mattress keeping a firm grip on her hips, guiding Binx as she bounced on top of him with practiced skill. 

His mouth parted as he felt his orgasm approaching and Binx smirked dragging her nails down his chest looking him in the eye, “I want you to come, Sergeant.” Her voice was like a sultry tooka making him seize up.

Hunter stuttered for a second before thrusting upwards one last time, emptying himself deep inside her womb. 

She collapsed on top of him finally exhausted as he also fought to gather his breath.

His arms wrapped around her, squeezing her with his muscles and she practically vibrated with content. A certain amount of tension she hadn’t realized she was carrying finally dissipated from her body since that awful night on Canto Bight. She finally felt safe, here in her sergeant’s arms. 

Panting, sweaty, and absolutely fucked out. 

Hunter refused to pull out but he shifted to look down at her, “I think we just broke like a hundred rules.”

“I don’t care.” She shifted to look up at him.

Nexu’s weren’t supposed to fall in love…but here we are.

Binx smiled seeing Hunter’s face light up, “What?”

“Nothing.” He smiled.

She quirked a brow. 

He threw his head back, “It was way better than the fantasies.” 

“I’m glad.” She smiled nuzzling into his pec and closing her eyes feeling sleep start to take her. 

“We’re going to have to be careful,” He said combing through Binx’s dark hair, “I’m not going to lose you now that I have you.” 

“We’ll be a weakness for one another.” Her soldier brain was calculating, “Our enemies will exploit it.” 

“Only if they know.” 

She nodded, “I trust you Hunt.” 

“I trust you too Binx.”