#tech reader insert

Tech was determined to track down his target. It was only a fleeting glimpse... But he was sure he'd seen it. His brown eyes scanned the crowd of faces as he shouldered his way through in the most polite way he could in such a hurry. A chorus of, "excuse me"s and "pardon"s left his lips. He even had to utter a full apology after stepping on a bystander's foot.

Then, he saw it again.

This time, he wouldn't lose sight of it. His eyes remained locked on it- on her.

It was her, he realized.

She had joined a small crowd in the main square to observe the festival performers.

She wore dark clothes- very different from her robes.

But of course, Tech thought. She was in hiding. Obviously, she would have to protect her identity after Order 66 occurred.

Tech looked over his shoulder to see Hunter with widened eyes. He'd finally seen you too. They both locked gazes and nodded, mutually deciding to approach with caution.

For once in his life, Tech wasn't entirely sure how to proceed. The last thing he wanted was to startle you. After all, it wouldn't be unheard of for your instincts to kick in, especially towards clones.

By the time he reached you, he was even less sure.

Hunter took the liberty of greeting you simply and in a light-hearted way in hopes that you'd be put at ease.

"Fancy meeting you here," he rumbled.

Tech's eyes flickered back to you, watching as you turned around. The way your face lit up at the realization of who it was warmed Tech's heart. Your smile grew wide, and your eyes began to glisten with tears that welled up.

He waited, even as you threw your arms around Hunter in a gleeful embrace, to see if any fear or uneasiness registered in your expression. Your body language toward the squad leader showed no indication of anything other than relief and familiarity.

You pulled back from Hunter, sharing a meaningful look with your friend, before turning to Tech.

"Oh, Tech." you practically launched yourself into his arms, and he took a second to process the action before tightening the embrace. "Do you know how much I've missed you?" you whispered into his neck.

His heart fluttered at the feeling of your lips against his skin as you uttered the most sorrowed question in a barely-audible voice.

She's here, his inner voice kept saying. She's here. She's here in my arms. Nothing is going to harm her. I will never allow it.

Tech squeezed tighter, swearing to himself that he'd never let you go again. It was duty that had separated you during the Clone Wars. But now that the Republic had fallen, this duty no longer existed.

The embrace was long, but not nearly long enough. You pulled away, wiping the wetness from your cheeks with a sleeve, sniffling.

"I knew it," you said shakily, your voice breaking off into a laugh. "I sensed you when I landed. After the Order, part of me hoped beyond hope... But I wasn't sure I'd find you either way."

"Small Galaxy, I s'pose," Hunter joked. "Still, how'd you know we weren't going to..."

"Blast me to smithereens?" you finished with a grimace. "Well, this planet doesn't seem to be occupied by the Empire. I figured if you were here, you weren't likely to be under the influence of chips."

"Still," Tech spoke up again, meeting your gaze. "We could have in theory been doing recon work for the Empire. Hunting undercover. "

"I guess that was a chance I was willing to take," you said, your own gaze unwavering as it bore into his soul. A flood gate of memories opened up as he looked own into your eyes.

Suddenly, he saw you on the battlefield, standing right at his side with your lightsaber in hand, deflecting blasts. He saw you in the cockpit of the Marauder, your features shadowed beautifully by the light of stars streaking past in hyperspace. He saw you seated on a crate, the sleeve of your robe rolled up to reveal a wound that he tended to with a bacta patch. He felt you press against him as the two of you made your way through a dark cave back-to-back.

He saw your downcast expression as you waved the squad farewell after being transferred to another system to aid a fellow Jedi in the War effort.

"Hey! Look who it is!" The booming voice of Wrecker sounded over the commotion of the festival. You looked over to see him approaching with a small girl on his shoulders, and Crosshair in tow. Another soldier was following not too far behind.

"Wrecker! Crosshair!" you greeted. "Am I glad to see you!"

Wrecker set the girl down to hug you properly, and Crosshair begrudgingly accepted an embrace from you. The girl was watching you curiously. The other soldier also seemed intrigued by your familiarity with the squad.

Finally, Hunter continued with introductions. "Omega, meet ______, an ally and good friend of the squad."

He didn't dare use the word "jedi" in a crowd, not even in a place as safe as Pabu.

You hadn't expected to see her face light up in realization, as if she knew all about you.

"And this is Omega," Hunter continued. "It's...a long story. In short, she's-"

"Our sister!" Wrecker finished.

You couldn't help the awed smile as you greeted her properly. "Wow, it's wonderful to meet you, Omega."

She was beaming up at you as she stepped forward to shake your hand. "You too. I've heard a lot about you."

"Oh yeah?" you shot Wrecker a humorously suspicious look. "All good things, I hope."

"Mostly," he guffawed.

"This here is Echo," Hunter said, motioning to the other soldier. He seemed to know who you were already because he saluted with his scomp arm. Touched by the gesture, you saluted back. "He joined the squad shortly before the War ended."

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Ma'am," he said.

"Likewise," you replied.

Tech had been unusually silent the entire time, and you found yourself glancing his way, hoping to get a read on what might be going on inside that mind of his. His gaze was already locked on you, and his lips were pursed, a sign that he did have loads to say. The sight nearly made you laugh.

Same ol' Tech.

The group naturally made its way out of the crowd, heading for the beach so that you could all talk openly and get caught up. Each of the squad took turns recounting in their own words some of the adventures that took place after Order 66. They were beyond curious to know the events that transpired in your escape and evasion of the Empire in the following months.

For the first time in a long time, you felt like you were home.

. . . . . . . . . . .

"You can't stay, can you?"

The question wasn't wholly unexpected. Hunter's heightened senses allowed him to see more than what was around him. Sometimes he saw into you just a little too well.

You let out a sigh, looking out over the perfect view of the island from your spot on the porch. It was almost painful to confirm Hunter's suspicion when you were gazing at blue water shining in the sun, waiting for the rest of the squad to return to the neighborhood after their work was done for the day.

After over a month on Pabu, you couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

But the fact of the matter was, there was some unfinished business to take care of.

"I need to go away for a while," you admitted.

"Are you sure?" Hunter asked, brows raised. "You're safe here."

"I know." You closed your eyes, breathing the salty air into your lungs peacefully. "But there are others who aren't. I can sense it. They're lost and confused, and...afraid. They need me."

He nodded gravely. As always, he respected your judgment. He honored your sense of duty to others, despite his concern. If there was anyone who understood, it was him.

"I'll be back," you told him. "In a little while. I will return to you all."

"We'll be waiting."

. . . . . . . . . . .

Breaking the news to the others wasn't something you'd ever want to do again. Omega and Wrecker were downcast. Crosshair voiced his disapproval in his own way, flicking a toothpick onto the ground. Echo wasn't happy to see you go, but he seemed to understand. Duty to his brothers would soon to call him away also as it had before, or so he'd told you.

What you hadn't expected was Tech to fall silent. His expression didn't exactly betray frustration or displeasure, but you'd always known him to express emotion differently. After all, as you'd come to find out from the others, your departure from the squad during the Clone Wars had affected him more than he'd let on to you.

Just when you thought that maybe Tech's feelings didn't go as far as you once thought, he broke the silence.

"Leaving the safe haven of Pabu is most unwise."

The entire squad froze at Tech's version of an outburst. It wasn't a shout. It was controlled, but each word was laced with a tinge of bitterness- something you'd rarely ever heard.

At that, suddenly the others felt the need to excuse themselves, for one reason or another. Wrecker out of the blue remembered that he and Omega needed to go see Shep about...something. Echo was adamant about joining them. Hunter excused himself to finish a household chore. And Crosshair just up and walked away without a word.

When just you and Tech remained, you responded to his statement calmly.

"I know, it's a risk. But it's one I have to take. I'd hoped you would understand."

"Forgive me," he said curtly, turning his face away, putting his chiseled profile in full view. "I do understand."

Your heart broke at the sight. "Tech..."

He faced you again, an unreadable expression crossing his features. "I understand perfectly."

Before you could say anything more, he walked away.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Tech paused tinkered adamantly with the device in his hands.

He felt like an adolescent. Like some young cadet.

When Crosshair had gone his own way, seemingly lost to the squad, Tech found a way to rationalize it. When Echo departed from the squad for a time, Tech processed the shift in his own way.

Adapting was the name of the game. Tech always felt that finding a way to adapt to changing scenarios would mean a higher probability of survival for himself and the squad as a whole. Rather than wasting time trying to change things according to his own wishes, or longing for things to be different, he found the rate of success would increase immensely if he simply, "rolled with the punches."

So, why did he act contrary to that belief just now? Why didn't he simply shake your hand without so much as a nod and let you continue on your way?

Perhaps it was the environment. The peaceful planet of Pabu, where the squad lived out its days safe and sound- having long since abandoned the life of soldiers and mercenaries- brought about a softer, gentler existence. Survival was no longer something that the squad struggled with.

The lack of a need to adapt perhaps left room for Tech's true emotions to shine through- a luxury previously unheard of in his mind.

"Let me guess," Crosshair's coiled voice interrupted his train of thought. "You didn't tell her how you feel...again."

Ah, fantastic. This was just what Tech needed at the moment. A dose of his brother's difficult and unyielding character.

He adjusted his goggles, resuming his tinkering as if he was unbothered. "I fail to see how that is relevant."

"You know, if you tell her, she might stay."

Tech paused. "I do not see why she would. She had made it quite clear that her mind is made up."

"Is it now?" Crosshair leaned against the doorway of Tech's quarters, crossing his arms. "And how do you know she won't change it?"

Tech didn't reply. Perhaps his brother would give up and leave.

"She deserves to know."

...But of course not.

"What makes you say that?" Tech looked up.

"Because it's the sort of thing people do." Crosshair placed a toothpick between his teeth. "When they care about someone, they tell them. They never know when they'll get the chance to...or if."

That one sent Tech's mind reeling.

Regret. As much as he tried to distance himself from it, as it was another hindrance to adapting to the situation at hand...he knew it would be something that he'd be faced with if he left things the way he had...

But telling you how he felt? Tech wondered how he could even begin to do so. He was eloquent in matters of machinery. Science. Technology. Those were languages he spoke fluently.

Telling you that he cared for you?

Loved you?

That was a foreign concept entirely.

. . . . . . . . . . .

The time of your departure had come all too soon. The squad was gathered around your ship on a rainy afternoon to see you off.

You'd be back soon, you kept reiterating to each of them. Tech watched as you hugged Hunter, and the leader wished you well. Wrecker picked you up and spun you around. Omega, who'd come to admire you so, wrapped her arms around you in a heartfelt hug. Crosshair once more allowed an embrace, bringing his hand up to awkwardly pat your back. Echo, in his fashion, saluted you before you laughed and embraced him also.

Tell her how you feel. Tell her how you feel. Tech kept telling himself that over and over again. It didn't seem to make his next move any easier. Even with the hours and hours of thought he put into it, the task of telling you that he cared for you still seemed monumental. Impossible even.

But his brother's words rang true.

He had to let you know. Somehow.

You were standing in front of him, concern etched on your face. It was evident that his last interaction with you left you unsure as to what his behavior would be. Tech hated that he'd caused that uncertainty.

He opened his mouth, but for once in his entire existence, nothing came out. There was no spew of information. No explanation rolling effortlessly off his lips. Not even a peep.

You were waiting patiently for him to get his bearings- though your uneasiness seemed to increase.

His brain shorted out, and then suddenly everything became crystal clear. If he couldn't begin to tell you how he felt, perhaps it would be best if he didn't tell you.

Tech's resolve cemented, and he closed the distance between you with a single step. Your eyes widened as he stepped into your space, and your hand came up to rest on his chest. When it registered that there was no force behind it, that you were not trying to push him away, Tech placed a hand on each of your shoulders and leaned in.

Your expression melted before his very eyes. With no further thought to your surroundings, you leaned in the rest of the way.

Your thoughts were racing as Tech's lips pressed warmly against your own.

The determined look in his eyes had made your heart flutter. The way he'd so decidedly stepped into your space, how his hands held you in such a way that you doubted anything could move you from that spot... It was captivating.

You recalled the time when thoughts of kissing Tech were the sort of thing that used to keep you up at night.

During the War, your familial affection for the squad would have been questionable in the eyes of the Council, if they'd known. But your attachment to Tech in particular would have been considered dangerous. Absolutely forbidden.

But love is a force of its own.

You were certain of that more than ever, with Tech tilting his head to deepen the kiss, his arms sliding around your form to hold you tighter as the rain pelted you both from above.

What began as a fervid gesture rendered something softer, sweeter in the end. His lips brushed yours tenderly one last time, feather-light, as if savoring the moment, before pulling away.

You tugged him back before he got too far, holding him in an embrace as you buried your face in his chest.

"Stay."

There was no edge to his tone with the request. It broke your heart all the same to hear it.

"I can't," you whispered.

"Perhaps I can accompany you, then." There was a waver in his exhale from the chill of the rain.

"There's no need. Besides, I'll be back faster than you can say, 'Marauder.'"

"I highly doubt that you will return that quickly."

You chuckled, reaching up to wipe some of the drops from his goggles. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"This. I needed it."

The two of you parted, and Wrecker whistled jokingly. Crosshair gave Tech a nod of approval, and Echo was shaking his head in amusement. Hunter merely looked at you with a raised brow, and suddenly your shoes became very fascinating to you.

"I'll see you all soon."

"Keep us updated, will ya?" Hunter asked, giving you a nudge.

"Absolutely. Bye, everyone!" you gave one last salute before boarding your ship. As you engaged the take-off, Tech received a variety of shoulder-pats and nudges of sympathy from the squad.

And when your ship disappeared on the horizon, he found himself glued to the spot for several minutes.

"Don't worry," Hunter assured him. "She's strong. Skilled too."

"I am aware," Tech acknowledged. Another moment of silence passed. "Her engine sounded strange. Perhaps I should comm her."

   Life on the run wasn’t easy.  You and the Batch were still adjusting to existing as “mercenaries” as Cid had put it.  It wasn’t something you’d imagined when you and the others first went out on your own.  Missions ranged from life-threatening rescues to small shipments of snack foods.

   The latest inconvenience was something you were faced with.

   You’d finally gotten a prescription for new glasses as well as contacts.  It had been quite some time since it was updated.  For the last few weeks, you’d been waiting and waiting for the lenses to arrive at Cid’s, but with no luck.  Some small part of you even wondered if Cid accepted the delivery and then pawned it off the first chance she got.

   It wouldn’t exactly surprise you, but you settled on giving her the benefit of the doubt.

   Still, enough time had passed to leave you concerned, to say the least.  You couldn’t exactly carry out missions without the lenses.

   You made it through the most recent mission, an attempt to swipe some spoils of war from Count Dooku’s old estate, on your last pair.  After that, they were done for.  To your frustration, the new ones hadn’t arrived by the time you returned either.

   Being that you were out of contact lenses, you were left with no other option than to don your old spectacles.  Wrecker of course poked fun every chance he got.  That was to be expected.  It was lighthearted, well-meaning teasing on occasion as he passed by you on the ship.

   Nonetheless, it didn’t exactly help your mood.  You made your way to the cockpit where Tech was reviewing some material.  He was so absorbed that he didn’t glance up when you entered, to your relief.  You were already not so keen on being forced to wear an outdated pair of glasses, and the last thing you wanted was anyone to make a big deal out of it.

   You took a seat and got to work checking that the ship’s systems were functioning properly.  After a few minutes of this, you finally noticed Tech’s eyes flicker up briefly to acknowledge your presence.  He did a double-take.

   “What?” you asked, swiveling your chair around.  

   “Nothing,” Tech replied, appearing unfazed at being caught staring.  His expression remained neutral as he quickly turned his attention back to his datapad.  “I’ve never seen you wear glasses.”

   You chuckled, figuring you’d just own it, and peered at him over the rims playfully.  “What do you think? Is it weird?”

   “It’s…” He paused, searching for the right words. “Rather cute, actually.”

   “Oh.”  You weren’t quite sure what else to say to a comment like that.  Warmth flared up in your face as you ducked your head.  “Thanks, you too,” you said back, internally facepalmed as Tech stole another glance at you from his datapad, tilting his head just a tad out of curious confusion.  He adjusted his goggles.

   “Ah, thank you.”

   “Sure.”

   Silence fell over the space, and you cleared your throat.  “I’m going to go…see Wrecker.  I’ll be back.”

You swiveled around to peer over your shoulder from the cockpit of the ship.  Echo occupied the pilot’s chair beside you, leaning back casually while you fidgeted in your own seat.

The sight of stars and planets zooming by in beautiful streaks of light while the Havoc Marauder flew in hyperspace would normally be a peaceful thing to observe, but currently, you were a little preoccupied.  It was checkup day, which you both dreaded and waited for in anticipation.

In between making repairs and researching, Tech found time periodically to evaluate the squad’s health.  It wasn’t unheard of for some members of the team to play hero and dismiss injuries from time to time.  Checkups were Tech’s way of making sure that everyone was receiving the treatment that they needed- no ifs ands or buts.

Echo had finished his turn a little while ago and seemed completely at ease in his seat, though one glance in your direction made him realize that you were not.

“It’ll be over before you know it,” he offered, mistaking your jitters for discomfort at the checkup itself.  He was trying to reassure you, but you could see the confusion in his brown eyes.  After all, you’d been through many evaluations before with no issue, and it wasn’t like it involved needles or anything that should be a cause for worry.

“Yeah, I know,” you replied.  “I’ve just got some stuff on my mind.”  You smiled in hopes that he would realize you were fine and drop the subject.

“Anything you want to talk about?”  Dear, dear Echo.  So considerate.

“Not really, but thank you.”

He eyed you for a moment longer, pausing long enough for you to say something if you did change your mind, but when you said nothing more, he simply nodded and turned his attention back to the dash.

It wasn’t the checkup that made you nervous.

It was the medic who would be administering it.

Heavy footsteps on the ship’s grated floor nearly made you tremble.  Your heart picked up speed at the sight of Wrecker poking his head up front to let you know his eval was done.

“Tech’s ready for ya.”  He jabbed a thumb over his shoulder in the direction where Tech was set up.

“Okay.  Thanks, Wrecker.”

You decided it was best to just get it over with.  Sucking in a breath, you rose from your chair and marched down the hall of the Marauder.  There Tech was with his medic equipment out, tapping away at a datapad.  Your heartbeat kicked it into high gear as his beautiful brown eyes met your gaze at the sound of your approach.

“Ah, ________.  Have a seat.”

You sat down on top of the crate and observed him.  The low light of the hallway highlighted his chiseled features.

“It’ll just be the usual,” Tech rattled off, typing another bit of information into his datapad before setting it down.  “I’ll check your pulse, temperature, and vision on top of confirming that you have no significant injuries.”

You exhaled quietly.  “Okay.”

“Have you experienced any pain as of late?  Anything unusual?”  He stepped forward, entering your space.  You knew it was coming, but you felt no more prepared to have him so close.

You wanted to shake the thought away.  He was your teammate doing a professional favor by evaluating your state of health.  It felt wrong to enjoy the brief contact.

“No, nothing like that,” you replied, clearing your throat.

“Good.  Glad to hear it.”  His eyes did a quick scan over your form in a silent check.  He reached for your hand, and despite his professional demeanor, his hold on your wrist was gentle, careful- like he was holding glass.  With his other hand, he began to take your pulse, eyes flickering to the side.  You released another shaky breath, hating how absolutely loud it sounded to you in the quiet.

“Hm.” He made the sound as if he noted something internally, but he didn’t voice it aloud.  Instead, he let go of your hand and grabbed the temp scanner off his tray and aimed it at your forehead.  He glanced at the screen.  “Temperature is normal.”

“Oh, good.”  You never knew what to say during these things.  A shudder ran down your spine as he picked up a small flashlight and switched it on.

“Look straight ahead, please,” he instructed, and you did so.  Goosebumps bloomed along your skin as the light shone in front of your eyes to check them.  “Now, look left.  Right.”  it was very difficult not to meet his gaze so close to yours, but you managed.  “Now, look up.”  You did so, but he made a tiny dissatisfied sound under his breath.  Tech leaned closer, reaching a hand up to gently tilt your chin down so that you’d look up with only your eyes.

He paused again, his own hand lingering.  You were glad that he was done taking your pulse because your heart was racing.

Finally, Tech seemed to snap out of it, clearing his throat and pulling away while switching off the flashlight.  “Everything seems to be in order.”

“Great.  Thank you, Tech.  I appreciate it.”

“Hm.”

You watched his expression curiously.  “What?”

“You are the only one that says ‘thank you’ for these.”

You tilted your head.  “Really?”

“I suppose the others see me as poking and prodding unnecessarily.  Especially Wrecker.”

You laughed at your other teammate’s history of protests and attempts to delay his own treatment, though simultaneously you felt your heart soften for Tech.  “Well, you’re looking out for us, and it’s appreciated.”

He started packing up his equipment since you were the last of the checkups.  “Thank you.  Your appreciation is…appreciated.”  He looked over at you once more, offering a brief, kind smile.

   It was a well-known fact that Tech didn't sleep like the others did.

   Well, of course he slept.

   Just nowhere near as much as he should.

   This happened to be one of the evenings that he did manage to fall asleep at a decent hour. It had been a very long, long couple of days. The pilot had been working on the Marauder nonstop over the course of the Batch's most recent assignment given to them by Cid. There were just so many emergency repairs needed because of all the messy situations the crew landed themselves in.

   Finally, you and the squad had completed the objective and were traveling through hyperspace. The ship had grown quiet as each Batcher drifted off to a much-needed sleep. Everyone was resting, as a matter of fact, to the low and steady hum of the ship. Everyone except you.

   You held back another whimper as you braced yourself on the sink of the refresher.  It was those awful cramps keeping you up.  Normally, you would have avoided bothering anyone and gotten something to ease the pain, but Tech had recently reorganized things.  Unfortunately, you weren’t entirely sure where he stashed the pain meds.  And with him fast asleep for the first time in two days, you really, really didn’t want to wake him.

   Part of you figured the cramps would subside and that you’d be able to go back to sleep after that.  Your hopes were dashed as the pangs grew more frequent and more painful, lingering for a greater length of time.  It was getting ridiculous, and you weren’t sure how much more you could take.

   Occasional whimpers turned into a steady flow of tears as you endured miserably.  It was hard to tell how much time had passed.  The pain made the night go so slowly.

   There was a knock at the refresher door.

   “_______?” 

   “Tech?  Did I wake you up?” you asked, panicked.  “I thought I was quiet enough.”

   “No, I happened to be up.”  There was a brief pause.  “What’s wrong?”

   “It’s just...uh... It’s that time of the month, and-” you winced “-I’m dealing with cramps.  Like, bad ones.”

   It was quiet on the other end of the door before you heard a muffled “be right back” as he walked away.  You sniffled, clutching your bloated tummy with one hand as another cramp tensed in your lower abdomen.   Your aching body took heart in the relief that was brought on by simply hearing Tech’s voice, though guilt gnawed at you that he was no longer resting.

   Moments later, there was another knock, this one gentler.  “May I enter?”

   “Sure.”

   Tech slipped into the refresher with you, a glass of water in one hand.  “I’m regretful that you aren’t feeling well this evening, dear.  But I will do what I can to help.”

   “I didn’t want to bother you,” you mumbled, sniffling.  “You need to sleep, Tech.”

   “And I shall, after you are taken care of.  You are no bother to me, ________.  As I said before, I happened to be up anyway.”

  His words helped put you at ease a little, though not completely.  Tech waited patiently as you took the pain meds and washed it down with a gulp of water.

   A sharp cramp made you jump, and Tech gently wound his arm around your form as you set the empty glass of water down on the sink.  “It won’t be long now.  The pills should take effect shortly.”

   Suddenly, you felt tired.

   You weren’t sure if it was the promise of relief, the soothing voice that delivered the news, or the warmth that enveloped you as you pressed against Tech’s side...  But your eyelids grew heavy while a big yawn escaped you.

   "Hey! Clones!" Cid snapped, catching the group's attention from across the parlor. Hunter released a sigh as he exchanged looks with his squad. Wrecker and Omega both looked up from their board game, Echo rolled his eyes, but Tech looked to the trandoshan with piqued curiosity as he adjusted his goggles. "C’mere. I need to see you in my office."

   "Think she's got another job for us?" Wrecker asked while he shut down the game.

   Tech picked his helmet up off the countertop. "That would be a logical conclusion."

   Omega lowered her voice as if she were uttering something forbidden. "Is it just me, or does she get a little bossy?"

   "A little?" Echo muttered.

   Nonetheless, the squad made their way to the back where Cid's office was. They could complain all they wanted, but the fact of the matter was they relied heavily on the arrangement they had with the former jedi informant. They hadn't said "no" to a job since their arrival.

Tech tucked his helmet under one arm as he followed Hunter to the office. His mind ran through a million and one scenarios of the kind of job Cid would brief them on. It could be anything from a complicated rescue mission to a simple delivery.  The variety of tasks kept things interesting. Tech noted how their current job as mercenaries was reminiscent of the squad's soldier days.

   Old habits die hard, I suppose, he thought.

   Upon entering Cid’s office, Tech noted the familiar figure that already stood on the opposite side of the desk, with her back facing the squad.  It was rather amazing how just the back of her head sent his heart into overdrive.  His previous deduction (and admittedly hope) was more than likely to be confirmed.  The evidence was stacked in his favor.

   “Oh, here we go,” Echo muttered under his breath, though he was close enough for Tech to pick up on the sly amusement in the Reg’s tone.  Tech knew the comment was aimed at him.  His admiration of ________ was not the best-kept secret. 

   “__________!” Wrecker exclaimed her name in pleasant surprise, walking right up and giving her an affectionate nudge in the arm.  “Are we teaming up again?”

   “Woah, there,” Cid shook her head before ________ could utter a response.  “You’re getting ahead of yourself there, Muscles.  I haven’t even started the briefing yet!”

   Tech clamped his mouth shut as well.  As much as he wanted to put in his two cents, he’d learned from experience dealing with Cid that it was best to just wait.

   “Now that we’re all here, let’s begin.”  Cid leaned forward to reach across her desk and activate a holomap.  “There are two phases to this mission, so listen carefully...”

   Of course, Tech kept one ear on the briefing.  He took mental notes and even recorded vital bits with his gear.  On the other hand, his eyes kept flickering back to ________.  Wrecker was most likely accurate in his assumption that she would be accompanying the Bad Batch on the latest mission.  They’d already teamed up several times since striking up the deal with Cid.  Tech wasn’t sure why it came to be.  All he knew was that the Batch’s success rates significantly improved when you were accompanying them.  

   He remembered first meeting you.  It was actually right there in Cid’s office.  He’d never seen you around the parlor before, and your arrival was still a mystery to him.  The Batch had been summoned for a mission, much like they were currently.  But of course Tech did some research on her initially.  The Republic database told him that you were a former bounty hunter- not widely known, but widely enough to end up in the database.  Still, it didn’t quite satisfy the desire to learn more about her.  It didn’t come close at all, really.

   So Tech made up his mind to learn what he could by engaging in conversation.

   He learned quite a bit:  how she liked her drinks, where she was from, why she became a bounty hunter in the first place, and why she quit.  He learned that she was quite intelligent and capable in a fight.  He found out that she was strong and had a kind heart.  He discovered that she despised the Empire and had a secret love of his piloting style.

   His conclusion?

   He was in love with her.

   Oh, and she was currently talking standing in front of him.  Speaking to him, no less.  The others were clearing out of the office.

. . . 

   You tilted your head, brows furrowing as your concern for your friend increased.  He had been unusually quiet during the briefing.  Normally, he’d throw in a comment or two despite Cid’s scolding.

   “You okay?”

   Tech blinked.  His mind seemed to be reeling.  “Yes.”

   “Good,” Cid interrupted.  “Because the briefing’s over.”  She nodded her head in the direction of the door, and you followed Tech out.  Once you were out of earshot from the trandoshan, you gave Tech a gentle nudge.

   “Are you sure you’re okay?  You were pretty quiet in there.”

  “I was simply considering the data Cid provided us with for the mission.  She has a habit of leaving out significant details.”

   You chuckled, lifting the helmet tucked under your arm.  You clipped it onto your belt as you walked.  “That’s true.  Makes me wonder what helpful information she decided to leave out of the briefing this time.”

   Tech’s eyes flickered to yours in a knowing look which you returned.  “Indeed.”  The shared gaze nearly made you shudder.  Little did you know that you had the same effect on the soldier.

   “Well, at least we got this assignment together,” you pointed out, brushing it off.  “That way, we can watch each other’s backs.”  As a former bounty hunter, you were used to completing jobs on your own.  You preferred this- having a squad.  Watching their banter and interactions in the parlor, it was plain to see that it was a family.  

   It was a family that you were starting to feel a part of.

   “Hey _______!” Omega hurried up to you, her eyes wide with excitement about the mission.  “I want to show you something!  Tech, you’re part of this too.  Come on!”

   You stole a curious look, to which Tech responded with a shrug and adjusting of his goggles.  Oh, you knew that look.  That was his attempt to look casual, indifferent.  He and Omega were definitely up to something.

   “What’s all this about?”  Omega took hold of your hand and gave it a tug.  “Alright, alright.”  You laughed.  “I’m coming.”

   She proceeded to pull you the whole way out of the parlor until you boarded the Havoc Marauder, with Tech in tow.

   “Since you’ve been on so many missions with us, Tech made sure that you had a space to call your own!”

   You looked at the top storage rack incredulously.  The last few times, you’d taken to finding a decent place on the floor in the back or perched in one of the passenger seats simply because space was so limited aboard the Marauder.  This was definitely an upgrade.  You looked between the enthusiastic child and the once again unusually-quiet, goggled genius.  “How’d you manage this?”

   “This was previously my rack, though it has been noted that I tend to sleep in the cockpit anyway.”

   Your gaze softened.  “You didn’t have to do that.”

   “Correct, but I wanted to.  Like I said, I prefer to sleep up front.  The space should not go to waste.”

   “Well, thank you, Tech.  Really.”

. . .

   Tech watched with a small smile on his face as you set your gear on the rack, listening to Omega talk excitedly about the mission.  You’d appreciated the gesture, as he’d hoped.  

   Just seeing the way your features softened in genuine gratitude and how you smiled at being welcomed in an unofficial way as part of the squad...it was worth it.