Darkness fell over the Capitol. Under the cover of night, the Bad Batch moved into action. While the others infiltrated the base stealthily, Ryki went to a secluded spot.

"Howzer, my friend. This is Ryki Taala. I hope you remember me. Please, meet me at these coordinates at 1700. I need your help."

Ryki hid between in the dark alleyways as troops on patrol passed by. Her cloak providing her cover. She reached the rendezvous point, a small garden patch just beside the Syndulla house.

"Ryki?" A hooded figure approached the meeting point. Ryki spotted familiar turquoise striped armour. "Howzer?" She asked almost unbelievably. The clone turned around, gasping.

"It's, really you" Howzer pulled off his hood, revealing his cropped hair and the well-known scarring on his chin. Laughing, she threw herself to catch him in a hug. Long time friends finally reunited. "I can't believe it's you. You're back!"

The two broke in a fit of quiet laughter. "Look at you. So many years and you're still as dashing as ever."

Howzer chuckled and released her, "You look not too bad yourself. How did you get away from your boss? Are you-?"

"Free. I am free." The captain felt relief for his friend.

"Still, how did you come here? What are you doing here, Ryki. It's dangerous"

How ironic, she thought. "It's dangerous everywhere. Especially under the shadow of the Empire. I heard about Cham and Eleni's capture. I'm here to get them out."

"Ryki, do you hear what you're saying. The Empire is holding them, prisoners, for even standing up against them. Mind what you say on Ryloth. The admiral has eyes and ears everywhere."

"I know. Howzer, what exactly happened to Hera's parents?"

Sadness passed the man's eyes, "Senator Taa wanted power over the people. As usual, they prefer to stand with the general. Cham wanted to embrace change, Gobi stood against it. Hera- She was caught in the middle. Senator Taa was assassinated by some other enemy, not Syndulla. Hera ran for safety. I am, not sure if she's still alive" At the mention of the young girl he once called friend, his mood dampened more.

"Hera's alive and safe Howzer." Ryki smiled and held his shoulder. "She is?"

Ryki smiled sympathetically. "Howzer, I know you're a good man. A good friend. We need to help them leave the planet. We know they'd be killed if they continue to fight for good."

Howzer blinked unbelievably, "Do you understand what your asking me to do? That is against orders. What about my men?"

Taking in a deep breath, she tried to reach out one more time, "Maybe some orders are worth breaking? Especially if they are wrong"

The captain was still not swayed. She didn't blame him, it was what he was thought, to be a good soldier. "Howzer, you men are loyal to the Republic and to you. They will listen to your leadership. The Empire is not the Republic, Hunter. You're free."

Sighing, Howzer meet Ryki's eyes, "Alright. I don't agree with the admiral myself if you ask me." That brought a smile to Ryki's face and she quickly thanked him. Howzer laughed, especially since he did catch on to the new name that accidentally came through Ryki's lips.

"By the way, my name is Howzer. Not Hunter"

The mirialan froze. Howzer chortled, "Are you, blushing? Is Hunter like you, boyfriend?" Her blush increased. "Shut up. Safe Cham and Eleni now, catch up more later. Deal?"

Howzer smirked, "Deal"

---

Sneaking into the Syndulla household was hard, with all the extra security blowing up and about. "There is an enhanced clone here, leading a special task force. Hence, the tight security."

Ryki nodded, following behind Howzer as he lead them into the house. "I know. Met him briefly before."

Howzer paused in shock, "Just who are you galavanting within this galaxy? You asking for danger." Ryki smirked in reply, "Danger? I laugh in the face of danger."

Few troopers passed them in a hurry. Howzer checked the comm chatter. "Hmm. Someone's attacked the mining base? Your friends?"

Smugly, Ryki told him: "And Hera too," getting an exaggerated sigh from the clone captain.

"Cham, Eleni and Gobi have escaped prison,"

"That was the plan. We need to get them off-world." Ryki urgently told him. Howzer panicked upon realization, "They can't escape by the main entrance. There's an entire force waiting to capture them. Your friends are in danger too."

Taking two more turns, they came face to face with the rescue team. Howzer meeting Cham and Eleni face to face. Instinctively, Hunter and Echo drew out their blasters.

"Cham, wait!" Ryki shouted. Blasters lowered, Ryki smiled brightly when she finally met her old friends.

"Ryki?" The two green-skinned women ran to hug each other. "What are you doing here?"

Ryki nodded towards Hunter and Echo, "Rescue team."

Cham and Gobi nodded to greet Ryki. "You're walking into a trap," Howzer warned them. "Howzer's right, Cham. There's a firing squad out there waiting."

The Syndulla's huddled together protectively, "Why should we trust him?" Howzer looked away, hurt. But, he knew the right thing to do. "Because I'm on your side."

"What the Empire is doing is wrong. You have to get out of here. They have the exits blocked."

Eleni quickly suggested they take the former senator's shuttle in the private tower hangar. Howzer nodded, as that was the best plan. "I'm sorry, General. I should have stopped this sooner."

Cham reached out to his friend, forgiving him in an instant. "Our fight for Ryloth is not over. We will return."

"You can't stay here. They'll know you helped us." Eleni told Howzer, warning him to go into hiding. His life now laid in the mercy of the Empire. Ryki looked hopefully at the captain, "We can get you somewhere safe. A place to lay low, Howzer."

The captain smiled longingly, looking back at his friends, "I will not abandon my squad. They're good men. I have to try to get through to them."

"Howzer..." Ryki's voice cracked. "Go, while there is still time."

The twileks nodded and retreated further into the house with Echo behind them. Howzer silently turned back to the entrance, Ryki nervously waiting behind. "You need to go, Ryki."

"Hunter, right?" Howzer looked to the one clone that remained by Ryki's side, protectively. The sergeant nodded. "Take good care of her. Please." Tears pricked the mirialan's eyes, gathering to create emerald green pools. "I will" Hunter promised, lacing his fingers with Ryki's.

Howzer spared one last look to his friend until they slipped into the shadows. He'd stand against the Empire if it were the last thing he'd do.

---

Taa's ship glided through the air and the Syndulla family finally escaped their prison, once home. Tech met up with them, along with an Imperial transport.

"The girls managed to fly the ship. I must say I am quite proud." He told Ryki. Hera's eyes widened when she saw her parents.

"Papa, Mama!" The family dropped into a hug. Warmth filled the air.

Eleni brought out a case of credits to pass it to Hunter. "Keep it. You'll need it," Eleni nodded in understanding. Their safety was of the highest priority.

"These occupations are happening on other planets besides Ryloth." Ryki joined them on Taa's ships steps.

"I hope to have fought my last war, but our people need us now more than ever. " The years of war taking a toll on the general. "On the other hand, I am glad to finally see you free of your chains, Ryki. Thank you all for coming here."

Ryki bowed respectfully, "I met some good people along the way." She longingly looked at Hunter, making the sergeant smile warmly. Eleni and her husband exchanged a knowing look.

"We must organize. These days, friends are important to have. Friends you can rely on." Cham acknowledged the sergeant.

"Well, that's not something we can help with, General. I have my own people to look out for."

The four knew the reality of the burden they now carried. Any coming war would be Omega and Hera's also. They had to do all they could to prepare them for the coming trials.

"Come along, Hera." The little twilek beamed and ran up to her mother with Omega following on her heels. "Tech showed me how to scramble a ship's signature." She and Omega turned to each other with proud smiles.

"We will soon see how well it works. It is time for us to go." Cham and Eleni retreated into the ship.

Hera and Omega said their goodbyes. "Well, copilot, we didn't do too bad."

"Do you have to go?" Omega asked sadly.

"For now, but I am sure I'll see you around. And keep an eye on your brothers. They need it."

Omega promised. Hera hugged Ryki one last time, "I'm going to miss you, Aunty Ryki."

Ryki melted in the embrace, pulling Omega in too. "Thanks. For believing in me." Hera cried.

"Maybe the Force be with you, Hera Syndulla."

The ship's door closed and begun to leave the atmosphere. Omega waved to them as they took off. Hunter patted Omega's head, "I think you'll see her again."

Omega smiled hopefully, leaning into Hunter then she hopped off into the Marauder. Ryki looked to the starry night sky, a little sad to see her friends leave, again.

"I'm sure they would be safe." Hunter pulled Ryki close to him by her waist and rested the crown of his head on hers. The mirialan hummed and leaned into his warmth, "Do you think Howzer would survive?"

Hunter reached a hand up to hold Ryki's face and lovingly comforted her, "He's a good man. I know he will." Ryki reached out to hold his hand, pressing it to her face, "And... Crosshair."

Arms pulled the shorter of the two closer, "We will rescue him. I will save my brother." Small tears escaped Hunter's eyes, only for Ryki to brush them away. "I'll be there for you". Hunter's eyes shimmered. He planted a short, loving kiss on Ryki's temple. Thankful to have her in his life.

From the Havoc Marauder's entrance, four siblings quietly looked at the couple standing under Ryloths beautiful moonlight. Each wearing a smile that their brother could find comfort and happiness amongst all the sadness and burdens he faces.

"They'll figure it out soon" Omega admired the sight of her parental figures.

'We will all be a family, soon'

---

Crosshair grew bitter. His brothers managed to escape the Empire again, without him. They forgot him. Abandoned him. Left him alone.

'Why would they come for me' poison thoughts entered his mind.

'I'm a burden'

'Good Soldiers Follow Orders'

Crosshair wanted Hunter to feel the same pain he felt. Suffer the same way he did. Hunter betrayed him. Left him for dead.

"It would seem I underestimated your friends." Rampart stood on a platform and watched the burning mining facility. Tech, Omega and Hera did a number on the base, tarnishing Ramparts prestigious title. "If only they were fighting for us instead of against us."

Crosshair loomed behind Rampart like a wraith, "Request permission to hunt them down." The former Bad Batcher failed to catch them this time. He won't fail again.

Rampart granted the request. The renegades becoming a thorn in his side. Pests.

He left Crosshair to his thought, only to interrupt them, "Oh and, the mirialan that travels with them. The so-called Jedi? If you find her, she is of the highest priority. Her value to the Empire exceeds that of the clone of experimental unit 99."

"I want you to personally ensure her capture, commander."

Crosshair said nothing. Rampart left with the other clones, leaving the sniper to brood alone. Crosshair turned on a holo he received from a probe droid. A picture of Hunter and Ryki appeared in the blue haze of the hologram. Crosshair pieced together the attachment his brother had to the mirialan. Hunter's heart. Ryki was the key to Hunter's suffering. She and Omega.

Them and the rest of his brothers.

'I'm sorry Hunter. Good Soldiers Follow Orders'