A/N -I just love the song, hehe-

The Marauder finally reached the inner rim, where the space routes were already brimming with life as shuttles and starships flew back and forth within the system. The end of the Clone Wars marked the beginning of a new era under the Empire, a shadow of the former more glorious Republic that proceeded it. Cid contacted Vendi to inform him of her awaited arrival, the latter providing coordinates to a remote part in Coruscant's den of thieves. The boys, Wrecker and Hunter geared up as Cid's bodyguards and donned masks to cover their faces, as per Tech's suggestion in case the Coruscant police may recognize them as Imperial enemies. 

"Do I really need to be handed over as a gift?" Echo asked distastefully while Wrecker helped him to adjust the droid mask over his face. "It's only until we save Ryki, Echo. She's our friend and she needs our help," Echo deeply sighed as Omega tugged on his hand, "Who could say no to those eyes?" Echo patted Omega on her head, reassuring her that he'd go along with the plan. 

Tech walked into the interior hull to join the others, "I've synchronized our inner ear comms to a frequency only my ship can access," 

"Our ship" Echo corrected. Tech rolled his eyes and passed the comm pieces to the others.

"Whatever. Once Echo hacks into the system and shuts down Mor Vendi's communications and loop the security cameras, I will have eyes on the actual live feed security feed as well as the layout of the bar and will guide you out for the escape. Also, I have fitted micro camera's to your disguise," He pointed specifically to Hunter and Wrecker. Tech then tapped on his datapad and connected the feedback of the micro camera's to the display screen. 

Omega gawked in amazement at the display on the screen. The micro camera's recorded the others in the room. "I'll be monitoring from this feedback as well." Hunter and the others nodded.

---

Tech piloted the Havoc Marauder into Coruscant airspace. A ping came in asking for the ship's signature and Tech pinged back the Havoc Marauder's scrambled signature key. The comm chatter between Coruscant's traffic control went quiet for a moment too long, the boys were getting angsty. Finally, a confirmation pinged back from the traffic control base and the crew sighed in relief. "Guess we know that works now." Echo sank into his seat. 

Omega leaned into Tech's side and looked at him with glittering stars in her eyes "Can you teach me how to do that?". Of course, he agreed.

The ship landed on Vendi's exclusive landing pad, reserved for his more high-class clients. Cid led the boys out as soon as the landing hatch opened. Before Hunter left the ship, Omega tugged on his hand to hug him and wish him luck and waved Echo, Cid and Wrecker goodbye. 

"Alright, I've got eyes and ears," Tech informed them. "Understood goggles," Cid replied. "Okay, now let me do all the talking. Vendi loves to be adored by his clients and usually becomes dumbly immune to suspecting trouble." 

Wrecker's modulated voice crackled through his helmet "He doesn't sound that smart" 

"No. He never is." Cid agreed. The four walked across the empty platform and paused as they reached a neon blue light sign that read "Maq'dere Bar". Cid shared one final look with the boys and knocked on the door. 

An armed Weequay guard answered the door. "Identification, please." Cid slipped a disc to the guard and he scanned it. Cid's disc beeped back and she was clear to enter but the guard pointed his blaster to the disguised clones. "Oh, they are with me. My bodyguards." Cid stepped in. 

Silently, the guard extended his hand in demand of their identification. Cid glanced back to Hunter and Wrecker encouragingly. Hunter and Wrecker both slipped their discs next, feeling slightly nervous in case the discs suddenly fail. The weequay scanned their discs, looking through the information displayed. He began to look back and forth between Hunter and Wrecker and the information from the disc. Cid looked worriedly at the exchange, already fearing for the worse while the boys shifted uncomfortably. 

"Don't worry. Tech said all will go as planned." Omega whispered into the comms.

The guard cleared his throat and nodded towards the entrance. Hunter and Wrecker quickly walked in to stand beside Cid, finally able to feel calm. Echo walked in behind them and Cid noticed the guard eyeing him suspiciously. "The droids for the boss. A gift of good business." Cid explained, tugging Echo my his scomp. "Sure," The weequay shrugged. Cid thanked the man then jingled a bag of credits in front of the guard, "Also, mind refueling my ship? Thank you good man." 

The weequay started with big eyes at the bag and smiled with pleasure, "The boss will see you inside." Cid nodded and walked in, followed by her bodyguards and droid to the knowledge of the guard. 

"Your ship?" Tech's grumpy voice registered in the comm. Cid chuckled, "Got a problem with that goggles? I did ask for the ship to be refueled." Tech went silent for a moment before mumbling a quick thank you.

---

The rescue team of four walked up to a secondary door guarded by two more guards. Cid mock saluted them, "Vendi expects my company." The guards muffled voices passed through their internal comm chatter before granting Cid and the boys entrance into the bar. So far everything was going as planned. 

Music slowly began to come to life as they entered the main hall of the bar. Lights changed dramatically and suited to the interior. The four were greeted to a glamorous bar setting, lavished with shiny diamonds, probably fake. A beautifully decorated stage curved and swept through the bar. The smell money flooded the air and the music pounded and echoed in the bar. Elegantly dressed men and women flooded the main bar and the stage, watching the line of exotic dancers that entertained them nightly. 

At the more shadowed parts of the bar lingered drunk and wasted customers that came in to drink off their troubled and float away in dreamland. Hunter winced as the sudden change in atmosphere messed with his heightened senses, "Tech, keep Omega's eyes closed please." He spoke through the comm as his eyes swept over the eye violating dressed dancers and customers, Tech quickly agreed.

It didn't take long for them to be greeted by a sharply dressed umbaran. He walked proudly to greet Cid, blue tuxedo reflecting the lights in the bar making him look a walking disco ball. "Ah, Cid my old friend. Good to see you." 

"Good to see you too Vendi. It's been too long and you seem to be running a fine establishment." Cid played into the umbaran's ego. Vendi tugged on the lapels of his tux, "Of course, I do aim to impress." The Umbaran circled the trandoshan as soon as his eyes landed on the her 'bodyguards'. "What an impressive arsenal, Cid. I see you have some security hanging around you. Have you been playing with the big leagues again?" He jokingly jabbed, scanning the disguised clones.

"Something like that. We can't be to sure with the Empire hanging around out heads." Cid replied. The trandoshan realized the umbaran eyeing Echo, or the 'droid'. "Found my gift did you?" Cid slung her arm over Vendi's shoulder as she gestured for Echo to walk in front, and he did so robotically. "This is a gift for you my friend. Another droid to add to your collection."

Vendi beamed and clapped happily, "My friend how generous of you. Guards, take this droid to the communication room." Vendi reacted just as expected. "I'd love to stay and chat but I'm quite busy today. Let's get to business shall we." Vendi escorted them to a more private area of the bar. A togrutan bar tender approached them and served them some alcoholic drink, courtesy of the umbaran manager. Cid accepted the drink but quickly spilled its contents when the he wasn't looking. "What ever you do, don't drink or eat anything here." she warned the boys who replied in subtle nods.

"Echo's reached Vendi's communication center" Tech updated them over the comms.

Mor Vendi opened a door to a separate room. It was just as elegantly decorated as the rest of the bar, minus the flashing lights. Vendi took as settled into a seat just as Cid settled into hers, Hunter and Wrecker standing at the back with tight grips on their blasters "So may I ask of your problem my friend?" 

Cid faked a troubled look, "Money problems Vendi, the usual." When it came to desperate measures, Cid was a great actor but Vendi didn't know that. No one did. "I got mixed with some bad company, got swindled on the way and now I'm trying to get back at them. You understand that." 

Vendi nodded with a pout, "Of course. You swindled though is a surprise. Nothing passes unnoticed to your eyes." He laughed. Cid shrugged, "Must have slipped my mind." 

Vendi comprehended her situation before speaking again. "Not to worry my friend. You've came to the right place. We all know of my best service yet and I can guarantee you the best service this part of Coruscant." 

He was sure to boast about this miracle marvel. "I have the most exquisite woman to solve your problems. A real miracle marvel if I do say so myself. She's second to none and she's exotic at that. I know a few hutts who'd pay handsomely to have some private entertainment with her, not that I blame them. My asset has features that rival the galaxy." 

Cid began to feel the uncomfortable atmosphere radiating from the boys behind her. She too felt like throwing up at Vendi's descriptions. He brought up the subject of payment and Cid gladly shoved a whole case full of shiny Imperial Credits to shut him up. Vendi smiled with greed "Mind you, she's feisty but she does the job and it adds more to the fun of handling her. In addition to out good friendship and generous payment I am willing to allow your boys there to have some fun with my lady, however they want." 

Hunter nearly growled in seething anger at the notion of such idea. Wrecker too shared Hunter's anger and disgust. They would never do such thing or even dream of it. Thankfully, Vendi decided to shut himself up as he gestured his guards to get Ryki. The three tensed up as Vendi rose from his seat and gestured to the huge curtain partition behind him. "May I present my darling, Ryki Taala." 

The curtains parted slightly to allow a beautifully dressed mirialan to enter the room. In the moment of the entrance Hunter felt his mind suddenly drawn to the mirialan. Ryki looked regal and elegant, like she belonged somewhere in a castle and not some backwater, shady bar with a slaver. Hunter would have sworn his heart skipped a beat the moment his eyes met her downcast ones through the mask. No one would have noticed Hunter's stupor. If it weren't for the current circumstances, Hunter would have awed at Ryki's beauty praise her with the most angelic and elegant of words. However the situation was far from ones of comfort. He just wanted to shoot the man in the head and drag Ryki to safety.

Vendi bent forwards to lay his sickly grey lips on Ryki's skin and he tugged the woman close to him, holding her by the waist. "My darling, your new boss." 

---

Ryki groaned internally as she was escorted to another room for consultation. She had been at it since the morning, getting short breaks in between and the occasional stage humiliation where she would be paraded like a prop to various patrons by Vendi. Add to that some experimental shocks from sadistic clients and unwarranted touches burning her skin metaphorically. 

The guards halted behind the curtain and muffled voices could be heard from the other side. Ryki kept downcast eyes as she mentally prepared for another tiresome round of objectification and torture. Deep down she kept wondering how and when the Bad Batch would initiate her rescue or if they would come at all.

Heavy lavish curtains parted and Vendi prepared his dramatic entry speech. Bowing her head, Ryki stepped into the flattering lights that made her off-shoulder-midnight blue sequence gown shimmer like stars in the night sky, showing off the features of her body with the addition of a long slit running down the dress, exposing her thigh. The shimmering blue complemented her green skin, that was bejeweled with red rubies and a diamond chocker necklace that adorned her neck. The black heels she wore made her look like a tall and powerful goddess that descended from the heavens.  Her obsidian black hair done up into an elaborate bun, leaving only wisps of wavy hair framing her face and some touching her neck and the apparent thin shock collar that was hiding behind the necklace.

 Mor Vendi slyly gripped her hand and laid a kiss on it. She would have flinched but her body taught itself to voluntarily shut of its senses when she was touched by Vendi. Vendi tugged her to his side and laid a possessive hold on her waist, "My darling, your new boss." 

Ryki obediently raised her eyes to meet whoever this boss was and boy, was she in for a surprise. Ryki Taala was known to be a great actress and could fool someone just by speaking if she wanted to. No one knew that fact and no one did need to know, certainly not Mor Vendi or his filthy clients and goons. 

Her green eyes were fixated on the familiar trandoshan in the seat in front of her before eyeing the two men behind her. Vendi pushed Ryki down on the chair and stood behind it, "A real beauty isn't she?" Vendi asked with much pride, trailing his hands over the shoulders of her skin. Cid played into the game half heartedly, "Certainly is, but I'm in a rush Vendi and I want my future read as soon as possible." Mor Vendi laughed and bowed, "As you wish my friend." Before he left Ryki to their company, he pushed away the few silky strands of hair and undid the necklace to reveal the torture instrument that tightly hugged her neck. 

"Incase she turn out to be disobedient, I give you full liberty to punish her as you wish." He slipped the shock collar controller to Cid, who flashed back a fake smile. Vendi pleasingly sighed, attaching his lips to Ryki's say mummering into her skin, "Be a good girl". Ryki tensed and Cid took notice, "Maybe you can bring this someplace else once I'm done with the reading". Vendi raised his brows before bowing out with a sly smile. Mor Vendi left the room to the privacy off Cid and her company. 

"Vendi is out of range." 

The moment the three heard the affirmation from Tech, the boys ripped their helmets off their faces. Ryki grinned and stood up in happiness, "Hunter, Wrecker!". The Sargent quickly walked over to Ryki and pulled her into a hug without processing things, just happy to have her within his reach and Ryki gladly fell into his embrace, throwing her arms around his neck and pressed her face into his. Tears nearly escaping her eyes "You came for me." she whispered tearfully into his ear. 

"Of course I did. We all did." He gently cradled her head and leaned his head comfortingly on her's. Ryki pulled back with the happiest smile on her face. Wrecker tapped her shoulder from behind, wearing a grin of his own as the mirialan too surged forwards to hug him around the waist. The gentle giant hugged her back, gently patting her hair in a comforting manner, "Thank you guys so much." Ryki pulled both the boys to her side until a rather rude cough distracted her.

"You know I'm hear to rescue you too right." The trandoshan spat. Ryki's green eyes suddenly narrowed at Cid. "You! You were supposed to protect my back! That's the whole purpose of our deal!" Ryki marched up to the table and angrily glared at the trandoshan boss. 

"Bah, give me a break alright. It's not like I knew you had a bounty on your head. You should have covered your tracks better!" Cid pointed an accusatory finger at the mirialan. Ryki scoffed, "You should have checked my bounty! You promised my safety and look where that got me! You're a liar Cid, a slimy, double-crossing no good swindler!" 

Cid's reptilian eyes widened, "STUCK-UP, HALF-WITTED, SCRUFFY-LOOKING NERF HERDER! I authorized this rescue so be grateful!" They continued their whisper shouting match. Ryki's eyes burned with fury, "Tell that to the scars Vendi left on me" Cid growled but as soon as her eyes landed on the dark bruises that peeped out from behind the collar and necklace, guilt began to settle into the trandoshan.

Hunter placed a hand on Ryki's shoulder, "We'll discuss this later. Right now we need to get out off here. Wrecker guard the door." Wrecker nodded. Cid begrudgingly gathered closer to Hunter and Ryki. The Sargent quietly asked Ryki if he could check her neck and she nodded. Hunter gently tilted her head to the left, taking quick notice of the web-like purple veins that circled and flared across her neck and the dark ugly bruises that littered it. He was angry and felt like shooting Vendi in the face when he saw the new thin scars on her face and collar bone, but he left that for a later thought. "Is there a way to remove the collar?" Hunter asked while removing the chocker from Ryki's neck.

Ryki nodded towards the controller "The small black button on the top right." Cid pressed the button and the shock collar popped open. Hunter removed the metal torture device and Ryki ran her fingers gingerly over the exposed flesh. Heart fluttering with satisfaction as the literal weight was lifted off her shoulders. The cold air greeted the sore skin making her wince. Hunter peeled her hands off the skin and looked her over for other injuries. "I'm fine, Hunter. Thank you." 

Cid awkwardly shuffled on her feet, "Thanks Cid." Ryki said next. The trandoshan nodded and waved her hands to brush off the sentiment.

"I hate to break up this sweet reunion but you need to get out of there soon. Vendi's nest client just arrived." Tech informed the group collectively. Hunter pressed into the comm piece, "Alright, lead the way Tech." 

"Echo will meet you outside the room." Tech informed and the group swiftly left the room. 

Hunter took the lead, with Cid behind him followed by Ryki and Wrecker leading up the rear. Echo turned around as soon as Hunter came out of the room. "Where's Ryki?" 

"Right here," She happily replied. "Glad to have you back Ry." Echo smiled and handed her a blaster. 

"Alright, take the first corridor to your left. Two guards are waiting in front." Tech warned. Hunter nodded and lead the group down the hall. Echo took the wall opposite them and signaled to Wrecker and Hunter the guards positions. One the count of three, the clones jumped forwards and quickly shot the guards. Hunter scanned the room and nodded. Tech lead them down a few more corridors, always keeping them aware of any approaching guards or customers. 

---

Vendi looked at the ticking clock impatiently as his next client waited in the other consultation room. Cid should have exited the room by now, he thought. The umbaran's face scrunched in displeasure. Grumbling, he marched into the room only to find the abandonment greeting him. His frustrated shouts called his guards in. Vendi began flipping the table and tearing down the decorations and he began to furiously stab at the curtains with his blade. 

"Find them!" He ordered. "I want Cid murdered!" The guards nodded and left Vendi to his rage. The Umbaran walked out to deliver the bad news to his client, another stain in his reputation. While stomping out, his dress show came into contact with a metal controller. Mor Vendi bent down to inspect it. His heart rate speed up ten fold, gripping onto the collar. The sweet scent of Ryki's perfume still lingered on and only reminded him that the mirialan managed to slip through his fingers the second time. 

Vendi met with his client and completely ignored their rants. "Get to the landing bay and secure it!" He growled at his guards who hurriedly ran out the room.

---

The group managed to make it out of the private consultation area and now had to figure out a way to pass the main hall of the bar to get to the landing bay. "Tech, there are too many people here. We need to get out soon." Hunter whispered. 

Tech switched between the security camera feed, "I can't find any alternative route out. The main bar is your only current way out, and move fast. Vendi is on to you." 

"We can't take the risk to go out there. We'd be outnumbered." Echo pointed out. Ryki thought for a moment and an idea popped into her head, "There is another way." Cid and the boys listened in, "There's a backstage passage that leads to the backdoor of the bar. We can get to the Marauder that way." 

Tech hummed, "That would be the better alternative" he told the group, unbeknownst to Ryki.

 Hunter nodded and Ryki took the lead, slowly leading them in the shadows and finally slipped into the backstage. Ryki looked past the wall and noticed two dancers and stunned them immediately. She nodded to Cid and the boys before leading them into the empty room. 

"Ryki look out!" Wrecker jumped quickly in front of several guard that were charging in. "They're on to us!" Echo shouted while jumping into cover from several blaster bolts. The blaster fire passed through the thin walls of the backstage room and patrons began to panic and scream. A crossfire ensued in the backstage area as more and more of Vendi's guard closed in. 

The group began to fire back without hesitation, taking cover as they were pelted with blaster bolts. A guard broke through the wall aiming his blaster at Ryki. Cid shot the guard before he cold pull the trigger. Ryki started wide-eyed at Cid, "Thank me later, kid." Ryki nodded and began to fire back. Half way through, the mirialan complained about her hurting legs, "Arhg! I can't walk in these!" Ripping off the cursed shoes, she threw them at the two nearest guards hitting them both in the head. "That's better" she grinned.

"The door's over there!" Ryki told Hunter. The Sargent nodded towards Wrecker. The large clone grinned and charged into the few guards blocking the door. Ramming into their chests and grabbing their legs, flinging them over on the other guards. "C'mon!" He shouted while Echo and Cid shot back at the remaining guards. 

However, Ryki paused at the door. "Ryki, come on!" Hunter demanded. 

"No. I need to destroy this place before we leave." Ryki ordered for Hunter to give her the ear piece. "Tech you read?" She said as she paced out of the room. Tech answered the call. 

"You're in the bar's control system, yes?" Ryki began to spew her plan.

"Yes..." Tech answered curiously

"Good. The main stage has a fire fountain setting. If you over-ride the safety functions of the fountain, they will shoot fire uncontrollably. If I'm getting out of here I want to bring Vendi's empire once and for all." 

The patrons have all escaped during the beginning of the fight. No civilian casualties to worry about

"On it ma'am." The smirk in Tech's voice could be heard. "I'll for you at the Marauder's entrance. Hurry up." 

---

Hunter lead the others to the landing bay. It was suspiciously unguarded and he sensed that they weren't alone. "We're surrounded, and Tech's not at the Marauder's entrance." Wrecker tried contacting Tech through the comms but there was no answer. 

"Come out, come out Ryki. I know you're there." Ryki sighed, Vendi caught them. When none of them made a move, Vendi clicked his tongue and walked to the front of the Marauder. "Keep on hiding and these two pay the price, darling." 

The Batcher's eyes widened in shock as a limp Tech was dragged on the floor. He was clutching at his abdomen tightly, a trail of blood running down his nose and head. In Vendi's hands was the youngest clone. Hunter felt growing dread in his chest and looked back to the others. The same thought passed their mind, they had to surrender.

"Nice to see you have a rational side my dear." Vendi snickered. "Hunter" Omega whimpered. The Sargent growled "Let them go!" 

"You give me back my property and I'll see to a fair release!" 

The boys and Cid aimed their blaster to the umbaran only to have Vendi's guards blasters being trained on them. Omega whimpered more as Vendi pulled out his blade and held it to the girl's neck. Ryki's heart thundered in fear, "I'll surrender" She said quickly. "Ry! What are you doing?" Hunter whisper-yelled as he worriedly reached out for her hand. She ignored him and continued to negotiate with the Umbaran, "I'll surrender to you, but let them go. Please. Please I'm begging you." 

Vendi smirked, "I love it when you beg, sweetheart. Come here and I'll release them." 

Ryki gulped and began to step forward. Hunter tugged harder on her hand, "Ryki, no," The mirialan's heartstrings were pulled. She turned to meet Hunter's pleading eyes, "Trust me" was all she said. "Please..." Hunter hesitated and knew that Ryki had made up her mind. Reluctantly he let go of her hand. She smiled at him one last time before turning to Vendi. Vendi loosened the blade slightly. Ryki met Omega's eyes and held it the whole time. 

She was know toe-to-toe with Vendi. "You have me, now release them. Let them get to the ship." Her eyes flicked to Vendi's. The Umbaran fake pouted before roughly pushing the young girl to the floor and nodded to his guard's to deliver them to the rest of the Bad Batch. The moment Omega and Tech were safely with the group, Vendi caught Ryki by her hair and forced her to kneel. 

The boys tensed and aimed their blasters. Vendi warningly placed the blade at Ryki's neck, "Get to your ship and leave, Cid. I'll forget this ever happened." 

"I came here for my friend, Vendi. I'm leaving with her" Cid spat.

Vendi laughed manically. Ryki whimpered as he pressed the blade to her neck, drawing some blood, "Tell them to leave now! I want to see your face on my own when I destroy you, I want to see you cry and beg for me to stop. I'll torture you and I'll kill them. I'LL KILL THEM ALL AND I'LL TAKE THAT GIRL AS MY SLAVE!" The mirialan was fueled with overwhelming anger the moment he threatened to hurt Omega. She'd accept any mockery towards her, but threaten to take Omega as a slave dare even mention it and anyone would suffer the same consequences that would soon befall Mor Vendi.

"NO ONE HURT THE CHILD!" Ryki reeled back her hand and punched Vendi in between his legs. The umbaran shouted and doubled over. "Run!" Ryki warned. The guard's began to open fire as did the Bad Batch. Tech slowly recovered and glanced at the ship hurriedly before running into it despite the fire. "Get in here quickly" He ordered Hunter. 

The Bad Batch fought like wolves as they made their way to the Havod Marauder. With Omega safely onboard, Hunter, Wrecker, and Cid defended the Marauder at the entrance, waiting for Ryki while Tech prepped the ship. 

Vendi crawled back up to his feet, grunting in pain before the mirialan. "You nasty waste of a woman! I'll kill you!" he shrieked. Vendi lunged at Ryki with his blade but Ryki recoiled and pushed her hands forwards. The blaster fire slowly began to die out. Why? Ryki found out when she opened her eyes. Vendi was pushed back into several crates, now looking wildly with fear at the mirialan. The guards now shivering at the new development. "Y-you can't do that? Y- I'm your master and you will serve me!" Vendi charged at the mirialan again. 

Ryki thought she was done for but death didn't reach her. Gasps and chockes echoed in the air. "J-Jedi!" The remaining guards shouted in fear and began to run like the cowards they are. Hunter and the boys shot them before the got far. Ryki opened her eyes and her green orbs were glued to the crumbling Umbaran at her feet. Vendi was clawing at his throat like a maniac, "Gak- Let-l LET ME GO!" Ryki was too freaked out and didn't noticed her fisted hand. The umbaran began to turn blue. "Ryki!" Hunter's shout helped her snap out of the initial fear and she released her fist. 

The smell of burning plastic and concrete began to fill the air. Vendi looked at the mirialan first time with fear written all over his face. Ryki stared him down, she looked at her own trembling hands and back to the trembling umbaran. "I'll kill you" He spat fearfully. 

The features on Ryki's face hardened, "Will you?" All of her efforts to escape her tortured and scarred past led to this moment, all of the whipping and shocks and humiliation led to this triumph. With the Maq'dere burning behind them casting a haunting lighting onto Ryki's face, if burned into Mor Vendi's mind as the most haunting image he's eyes will lastly see. Ryki was his death in the flesh. Green eyes landed on an abandoned blaster and she picked it up before turning her gaze to Vendi. 

"N-No. P-please no" he pleaded. Ryki toyed with the blaster. Should she kill him? Should she be merciful? The man was the reason of her suffering and her reason why she was never free. She'd been violated and shamed. Used for greed and pleasure and for Vendi's own sick choosing. "Other's will suffer my fate if I let you live. I promised to bring your empire down when I leave." 

Vendi continued to beg pathetically that he crawled on all four's and latched to her feet. Crying and weeping for mercy. "Is Omega in the ship?" she called out to Hunter.

"Ryki we need to go!"

"IS SHE?"

Hunter sighed, "She is" 

Ryki straightened up and kicked the slobbering mess away from her. "I'll bring you down with it" Vendi's eyes opened with fear "NO! NO! N-" A blaster bolt was fired through the umbaran's head. Vendi's limp body slowly fell backwards. The fire raged consuming the Maq'dere just like the bullet consumed Vendi's pathetic life. Ryki's breath hitched. The sound of Coruscant's police siren filled the air. Ryki turned back to the Havoc Marauder with haunted eyes. 

The other's already in the ship, leaving Hunter to gather Ryki. The ramps closed and Tech piloted the ship off the planet and engaged hyperspace as soon as they cleared the planets atmosphere. 

---

Echo sighed as soon as the ship lurched into hyperspace then set the ship to autopilot. Hunter, Wrecker, Cid and Omega were with Ryki in the main interior. The mirialan had tears falling out of her eyes. She was shaking with shock. Omega tentatively approached Ryki with big brown worried eyes. Ryki softened and pulled Omega into a hug, tucking the girl close to her body. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that Omega." 

The young clone buried herself into Ryki's chest. Hunter kneeled in front of Omega, slowly peeling her off Ryki, "Get some rest, Omega. Please?". Omega nodded understandingly before hugging Ryki one last time and heading off deeper into the ship.

Cid approached Ryki, "I'm sorry, kid. I should have taken more precautions with your safety." Genuine apologies came from the trandoshan. "I'm really sorry to put you through all this." Ryki smiled sadly, "It's alright, Cid. Thanks for coming back for me." 

Cid smiled gently, "Thank the boys and Tiny." Cid patted Hunter on the shoulder and went off to console Omega. 

"Ryki, you're safe now. Are you alright?" Hunter cautiously put his hand on her wrist, waiting to see if she would pull away. When she didn't he offered her a hug to which she melted in and began weeping into his shoulder. He didn't mind his overwhelmed senses, as long Ryki is safe. in his arms. Wrecker, Tech and Echo quietly joined them. Hunter released Ryki from their hug. Wrecker rummaged through his things and produced a huge jacket and draped it over Ryki's shoulders. Ryki sniffled and huddled into the jacket, feeling safer now that her exposed skin was covered, "Thanks, Wrecker." The gentle giant smiled kindly. 

"Thanks for rescuing me." Ryki spoke softly. "Your worth the risk, Ryki. You're our friend," Echo confirmed and Ryki was happy to hear those words. It relieved her to know that there were a bunch of people she could rely on. "I re-scrambled the ships signature to make sure we're not followed and scrubbed the bar's registration database. We weren't there and neither was Ryki." Tech pointed out. "Good work, Tech." Hunter felt at ease knowing that his family would not be in direct harm for now. 

"Tech, are you okay? Did Vendi hurt you?" Tech started incredulously at Ryki. "You were the one hurt by that umbaran. We should be worrying about you, but to answer you question, yes I am alright. Nothing serious. Are you alright, Ryki? Should I help you with your wounds?" Tech asked worriedly.

Ryki chuckled weakly at Tech's reaction, "I... I think I'll tend to my wounds on my own for now Tech, but thank you. For everything." Tech nodded understandingly, "Make sure to get some rest, Ry. Your safe now." Echo and Tech left the bunks leaving Hunter and Ryki alone in the hull. 

Hunter sighed tiredly. "I'm sorry I caused all this trouble, Hunter. I put Omega in danger." 

"Hey," Hunter silently questioned if he could hold Ryki's hands, she nodded. "It's not your fault. We would have searched the entire galaxy for you. I- We all care for you, Ry." Tears pricked her green eyes, finally relaxing. "Thank you." She gulped. "Thank you for coming back for me." 

Ryki collapsed into Hunter and he accepted her, arms circling her protectively, but not possessively. He wanted Ryki to feel safe and he was determined to keep her that way. Ryki quietly weepped into his shoulder. Hunter trembled too as he leaned into her. He was worried he'd never see her again but the Sargent would not admit that, yet. 

"Come on." He tugged the mirialan up with him. "You should go get changed and get some rest. Okay?" 

Ryki nodded against his chest. "Okay," 

---

The blue streaks of the hyperspace lane reflected on Ryki's eyes. She sat up alone in the cockpit finally in comfortable clothing, cargo pants and a shirt. Wrecker's jacket was still wrapped around her figure. She stared off into the distance as she slowly fiddled unconsciously with the midnight blue dress. All the past memories were collecting in her brain. 

She dreamed of freedom and begged to feel it. She wanted to life without fear and without worry. Ryki was always alone. After the incident with Rafa Martez, Ryki was reluctant to trust anyone. When she first escaped her horrors on Coruscant, she fled on her own. On Ord Mantell, Ryki met Cid and struck a deal with the business woman. That kept her safe for a while. One day, Ryki knew her past would catch up with her, she just didn't expect how.

She slowly traced the thin scar on her cheek and collar bone. The purple swollen veins brushed against her finger tips. Ryki winced at the unpleasant sensation. 

Behind the cockpit, Omega watched Ryki sadly. The young girl desperately wanted to hug Ryki's worries away but she knew Ryki needed to digest things first. Hunter stood close to Omega after finding out that the young girl had snuck out of bed. Nothing get's past Hunter. "She needs time." He kneeled beside Omega. Omega hugged Wrecker's Lula, "I think she needs a friend to talk to"

Hunter sighed, knowing not to disregard the kid. Omega had been right of countless of things in the past and he also realized she was quite mature than she led on. "Hmm, maybe you could talk to her."

Omega shook her head, "I think she needs to relate to someone." Hunter furrowed his brows. Omega turned to him and whispered, "She didn't really have anyone to count on or trust before. She's broken and sad, Hunter. Like you are," The Sargent was a little taken back by Omega's comment, though Omega did speak the truth. "I hardly think I am the one to speak with her." 

The young girl rolled her eyes, much to Hunter's surprise by the amount of sassiness Omega had. "Alright. I'll go to sleep. Follow me?" She innocently asked. Hunter smiled and stood up. Unknown to him, Omega wore a sly smile on her face and shoved Hunter into the cockpit while she hid behind the wall and giggled. 

Hunter shrunk as his footsteps rang through the cockpit. "Hunter?" Ryki peeked out from her seat with furrowed eye brows. Hunter shyly waved at the mirialan and turned back to Omega. She grinned and gave him a thumbs up before scurrying off to bed. "You alright there?" Ryki smirked. 

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine" the Sargent sucked in a shaky breath and stood there aimlessly. Ryki hummed, "Have a seat?" she nodded to the pilot chair. 

Ah, so this was Omega's plan, Hunter thought. "Sure" The Sargent walked over to the pilot's seat and watched the passing galaxy with her. 

Ryki didn't speak but just sank farther into the seat looking more relaxed that she had been. Hunter picked up on her steady heart beat that was coaxing him into a sense of calmness as well. "Thanks again." Ryki whispered with a smile. 

Hunter turned his head to look at her then chuckled a welcome. "You doing good?" He inquired.

Ryki nodded her head, "Better than before" she admitted. Hunter somehow knew that was a partial truth especially since he'd seen her rub on her neck and hiss in pain but he decided not to push on the topic. The two resumed the silence which was comfortable to them. Just existing with each others presence and knowing they had each other to rely on. 

"Hunter?" 

Hunter hummed in acknowledgement.

"Back on Bracca, I might have another bounty on my head you know. Just putting it out there. The think I'm a Jedi and you know they are going to hunt me down."

Hunter kept quiet and let her continue to speak. "You guys are already wanted men, and Omega has a bounty on her head too. It's not going to be safe for her if you have two active bounties to deal with." 

"What are you saying?" Hunter gulped. 

Ryki heard the small crack in his voice, electing to ignore it and fight the sad feeling rising in her chest "I'm saying Omega would not be safe with multiple targets on board. I-I should leave. Staying here is not safe for her." 

"And leaving isn't safe for you" Hunter answered almost instantaneously. 

"Hunter... we need to face the facts. If I go I can save you and everyone the hassle of needing to take care of two people."

Hunter thought over her words. If she left, she'd be alone and in more danger like what Omega told him. "You won't be any safer if you leave."

Ryki grew quieter, "You don't know that." 

Silence settled in again. "Ryki?" he asked.

Ryki hummed in acknowledgement. 

"I do know that if you stay, you would be safer. I know that if you stay, we would all be safer." Ryki kept quiet and let Hunter speak his mind. Hunter reached over with his leg and nudged her foot, calling for her attention. Ryki swiveled on the chair and met Hunter's gaze. 

"Just putting it out there, we're glad to have found you. We've got a good guide to help us blend in, got a talented medicine patentee and a smart and witty negotiator. We also have a friend."

Ryki tried to hide a growing grin on her face and ultimately failed. Hunter saw this and bit back his own grin. "Also, if you left the boys would miss you. Certainly Cid too, plus no one knows how to tolerate her like you do." 

The two chuckled, Ryki shook her head with a smile. "Yeah, that is true." she agreed.

"Omega would miss you too." Hunter messed with his hair, "She's very fond of you. Your really good with her." Ryki looked up at this moment to find Hunter smiling at her direction. The longer she stared into his eyes and looked at the beautiful smile on his face, just how relaxed he looked and how utterly happy he was made heat rush to her face. She quickly turned away to hide a growing blush from her cheeks, hoping Hunter didn't notice.

"Your too kind, Sargent." She braved herself to face him, leaning more toward him on her chair. "We know Omega adores you the most and you also have a very soft spot for her." She chuckled, "I mean, you literally melt for the girl and it's so sweet of you." A teasing grin played on her face. This time it was Hunter who found himself turning away shyly, heart thumping like crazy from that grin. 

"Well, I guess that settles why you should stay then. Omega would be heart broken if you left. Tech won't have someone smart to relate to and I would have to hear Echo grumble and also I would need to deal with Wrecker's persistent magnetism for injuries... and also deal with Omega's sass." 

This time Ryki laughed, "Poor you. How do you manage it all, hmm?" 

Hunter was smitten with that laugh already and her grin too. It added to her charm and made her all the more worth keeping safe. 

"Stay, please. You're more safer with us. We have you back just as you have ours. We'll all miss you if you go." The Sargent felt his chest grow heavy but he felt the urge to say it. 

"I will miss you too." 

Feelings and attachments weren't allowed to a clone trooper. It supposed to be a distraction, but how can someone who brings you joy from sorrow and happiness from pain be bad? He thought back to Cut and Su. They were stronger together and fought strongly for one another. Hunter didn't care at the moment. If he met Ryki much earlier during the clone wars and knew he could have experienced this much joy, he would have taken the chance with her. 

Now, there was no more restriction. He didn't know what the future held for him, Ryki, Omega or his brothers or Cid. Hunter knew that he won't let something this precious fall away from him. He already lost one brother and the loss was eating away at his should. He couldn't bear to loose another. 

Ryki almost lurched from her seat when Hunter confessed the last sentence. She didn't know how to explain it but she knew it was not dread but comfort. She actually felt relieved and she welcomed the feeling. Deep down she knew she'd miss all of them, him especially. She didn't know why. Just thinking about not seeing Hunter again ate at her soul. 

"I'll miss you too." She finally said, wearing the daintiest of smiles on her face. She glanced up to see Hunter looking back at her with a shocked smile. He didn't notice the growing blush he had on his face. Ryki saw this and grinned and chuckled. "Thanks Hunter." 

"So... you'll stay?" he sheepishly asked. 

"I will stay." 

Hunter sighed contently. Now happier than ever. The two leaned closer towards each other although they were separated by their seats. 

"Wanna help me burn this dress later?" She asked while picking at the sequence. 

"Definitely."