The Marauder travels through space, a silent specter flitting between the shadows of the stars, brushing against the velvet fabric of the universe. I sit in the gunner's nest, my tail draping like a comet's tail across the cold metal of the control panel. Beyond me, the galaxy stirs—a restless sea of lights and dark that beckons with unspoken promises.

"Obsidian, come down," crackles the voice, sharp and urgent, from the cockpit. I hum, a low vibration that resonates through my bones, and raise my claws in a slow, deliberate arc, surrendering myself to the gravitational pull of this strange existence. With a graceful slip, I let go of the stars, folding myself into the familiar embrace of the ship's hull.

"I think Idaflor would be a good place to hide." My words ripple through the cabin, a whisper of possibility that dances in the stale air.

"It's uninhabited," Wrecker's voice cuts through my musings, heavy with the weight of pragmatism. I shake my head, thoughts swirling like galaxies yet to be charted.

"There are only a few places I can hide," I reply, the claws of my imagination tightening into fists of resolve. "I suggest we find some supplies." My gaze flickers to Hunter, who meets Echo's steady nod. A decision forged in the crucible of necessity.

I smile, a flicker of starlight in the night, before I stand, acknowledging Tech's presence with a nod that bridges our thoughts—fragments of memories colliding like meteors in a forgotten space.

Hunter's sigh is a soft exhalation of concern as he trails behind me, the cramped quarters of the gunner's nest a cocoon that stretches just a little too tight for my needs.

"Are you sure you want to come with us on the run?" he asks, and I look down at the earnestness etched in his features. Pulling the oversized chair aside, I chuckle, the sound rich with defiance.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I? I mean, you need me."

Hunter nods, the worry shading his eyes like a passing cloud. "It's just that I don't want you to get hurt." His gaze flees, searching the void beyond the ship's walls as if it might offer solace.

I chuckle softly, letting Mysled glide through the cosmos, yielding to the tidal rhythms of the universe's pulse. "Hunter, dear, I can take care of myself. Remember? I was alone after I took over, you know?" The words hang in the air like the first light of dawn, a testament to the solitude I've wielded with both fear and pride.

"Of course I know, Hunter," I replied, feeling the warmth of camaraderie wrap around me like a comfy blanket. His gaze was intense, almost searching, reminding me of Rex and stirring old echoes in my mind. I could feel the twitch of anxiety in my own heart—something familiar yet fraught with memories that still held weight.

"Yeah, I get it, I'm just a stranger among you boys. But know this," I leaned in closer, letting my voice drop to an earnest whisper. "I will always be here to protect you." The words tumbled out, sincere and unwavering, as I nudged him gently with a nuzzle.

"Don't worry too much about me, Hunter. Let me worry about my pack instead." With that, I felt the tension drain from the air, and as I turned away, crawling back into the gunners' nest, I settled down, feeling the comforting hum of the ship beneath me.

I caught Hunter giving my form a long, thoughtful look, a mix of concern and gratitude stealing across his features before he moved off toward the cockpit where his brothers waited.

A smile crept upon my face. They're sweet, I thought, I'm happy I joined a group of clones. It feels like I found my place in this chaotic galaxy after all.

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We reached the planet of Pantora, the ship descending through swirling blue clouds and landing with a soft thud. As the ramp lowered, a strange, nasty creature emerged from the surrounding walls—a squat figure with scraggly limbs and a crooked grin plastered across its face.

"Ah, there! Welcome to my pit," it croaked, waving a datapad like it was a trophy. "Now, I need to scan your ship."

I stepped down from the ship, towering over the grotesque little figure. A shiver ran down my spine as I sized him up. "Back off, flea bag," I snarled, baring my dripping teeth in a show of defiance.

The creature blinked, his grin twitching nervously. Then, unexpectedly, he chuckled. "Well, um, we can always skip that step," he said, his tone shifting to something more sly. "But, um, I don't suppose you'd mind giving me that?" He pointed at the pendant hanging from my neck.

I glanced down, recognizing the Republic crest glinting against my chest. "It's the Republic crest," I stated, annoyance creeping into my voice.

"Yeah, but it's made of pure gold, isn't it?" he retorted eagerly, his eyes glinting as if he could already see the credits rolling in. "That'll be worth a lot of money, enough to pay for your little visit here."

I narrowed my eyes, protective instinct surging within me. I shifted my weight, ready for whatever this sleazy little dealer might try to pull. This planet was quickly proving to be more trouble than it was worth.

"Oi, back off," Wrecker growled as he stepped up beside me, arms crossed and towering over the little man, his shadow casting a protective barrier. The creature shrank back slightly under his intimidating presence. "She won't give up that pendant; it's worth more than your money," he added, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips as he nudged me gently with his hip.

I lowered my head, trying to shake off the nauseating scent wafting from the creature. It was a mix of something like rotting scraps and a faint hint of what I could only assume was something organic—definitely not pleasant. I gagged internally but forced myself to stay focused.

"Listen here," I said, straightening up as best I could, "how about this deal? You let us work on our ship, and I won't eat you. How does that sound, hmm?"

The little man blinked, clearly taken aback by my proposal. It was a risky gamble, but sometimes you had to play hard to get what you wanted in this galaxy.

"Okay, fine, yes, yes, just... don't damage my tools," the little creature stammered, clearing his throat as he reluctantly agreed. Then, with a surprising burst of speed, he scampered back to his office, probably to gather whatever broken bits of junk he deemed important.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched him go, relief washing over me. "Thanks, Wrecker" I purred, feeling grateful for my big, gentle giant by my side.

Wrecker shrugged, a casual grin spreading across his face. "Ah, it's nothing," he replied, as if standing up to weird little traders was just another day in the life of our misfit crew.

With the little creature out of the way, I turned my attention back to the ship, eager to get started on the repairs. We had a long journey ahead, and I wouldn't let anything, not even a nasty little dealer, stand in our way. 

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I was laying outside the Marauder, watching Echo and Tech work. Wrecker was helping them now and then, lifting things out of the ship like it was nothing. Just as I was getting lost in thought, Hunter strolled over, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Want to go out on a recon run?" he asked. I nodded eagerly, shaking off the dusty soil clinging to my black scales. The thrill of the mission buzzed in the air, and I was ready for whatever adventure awaited us.

Meg and Hunter left the others to work, and I turned around in the pit we were in, trying to see if any rats had possibly wandered in here. After a while of searching, I finally spotted a few! They looked like the ones I used to chase back in the lab. It was kind of nostalgic to see them, but I knew I had to be careful. What were we going to do with them?

One of them spotted me and wrinkled that gross snout before it shrieked and jumped at me. Instinctively, I bared my teeth, and soon those big, clawing paws were ripping the rat to shreds. It all happened so fast! Who knew it would get so intense? What a wild moment! What do you think we should do next?

I hissed as more of the rats surged toward me, their screams filling the air. "Run!" Hunter shouted, firing at some of the creatures. They shrieked as they fell lifeless to the ground. I let out another snarl before darting away toward the marketplace, adrenaline coursing through me. The smell of chaos and fear hung thick in the air, but I couldn't stop now. We had to find safety!

I paused beside a crate of nuts, breathing a sigh of relief when the sounds of gunfire and the rats' frenzied barking faded into the distance. Turning around, I spotted Hunter dispatching the last rat with a swift, decisive strike. He shook his head, a look of disbelief etched across his face. "Who knew rats could be so aggressive?" he muttered, his voice still edged with adrenaline.

"Anyway, let's find something to eat," he added, his tone shifting towards practicality. With a shared glance, we both understood that there was no time to dwell on the chaos. The marketplace around us buzzed with life once more, and as we scavenged for food, the memory of the battle lingered in the air, a reminder of our precarious situation. We needed strength for whatever lay ahead.

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After a while, we had gathered enough food to last us a month, and we started our journey back to the manor. Just then, a young woman approached us—one I recognized from the Republic's registry. "Well, hello there," she called out, a smile spreading across her face as she walked toward us.

I couldn't help but cock my head, curiosity piquing as I took in her cheerful demeanor. My senses tingled as my whiskers twitched, recognizing her as someone familiar, someone significant. It felt like a bridge between the chaos we had faced and whatever awaited us next. Her presence offered a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of uncertainty.

"Who are you?" Hunter asked skeptically, as I stood in front of him like a protective barrier. The bounty hunter scoffed; it was clear he didn't have much trust in strangers. "I thought many people knew who I was these days, but anyway, I'm Fennech," she replied with a glimmer of confidence. "Nice to meet you."

She turned to me, her eyes lighting up like a star. "You need to come with me, big girl," she said, and there was something in her voice that made me hesitate. It was both a challenge and an invitation—something that beckoned adventure. I couldn't quite place her, but she carried an aura of mystique that was impossible to ignore.

"And why should I do that?" I said coldly. "All I see is that you are here to lead me to the empire," I glared down at her. "It is a place I wish to avoid."

Fennech sighed. "I assure you that my companion does not wish for you to visit the empire; he merely longs to see an old friend again," she said. Hunter scoffed, "And are we supposed to believe that?" He had now drawn his blaster.

Fennech smiled. "You don't have much of a choice; if I do not escort the young lady here, you will never see your little one again," she said, gesturing toward a crate or two of bananas. I stiffened as the sweet scent of omega wafted through the air. "No..." I whispered. Where are Cut and Suu? They should have been here by now.

"Omega?" Hunter queried as the blonde clone stepped forward, looking both weary and contrite. "I apologize," she said, "I thought I could simply come and join you." Ghun turned away, and I took a step forward, but Fennech drew her blaster. "One more step and I will shoot you," she said tersely.

I shook my head in a low growl, opening my mouth to speak. "Obsidian, what are you doing?" Hunter exclaimed. I lashed my tail against the ground, sending a wave of sand and dirt splattering, knocking Fennech off her feet. I charged forward, pinning her down. "Take Omega, Hunter!" I shouted, scratching Fennech across her face while she cried out and struck me with the butt of her blaster.

I struggled as she attempted to wriggle free. "No one threatens my pack, you rogue hunter!" I hissed, tearing at her with my claws, leaving three bleeding wounds across her surface. I leapt off her when I could no longer hear Hunter and Omega.

I soon discovered Hunter and Omega beneath the towering Mandalorian statues. Omega was enveloped in a warm embrace from Wrecker, while Echo and Tech stood nearby, smiles etched across their faces. A sense of camaraderie and belonging enveloped the scene, making me feel both nostalgic and hopeful for the future.

"It's good to have you home, young one," Wrecker said warmly, setting Omega down. Omega beamed, and I approached, enveloped in her embrace. I rested my head on hers, a sense of comfort and familiarity washing over me.

"Wrecker's right, Omega," I murmured softly, relief evident in my voice. The others nodded in agreement, our bond strengthened by the trials we had faced together.

"And here I am," Omega said, nuzzling her face into my chest. "Cut and Suu are fine. They don't even know I ran away."

I sighed, gripping her jacket. "Omega, you could have at least told them. They're probably worried sick."

Omega shrugged, her expression unapologetic. "I didn't want them to stop me."

I shook my head, a mix of exasperation and affection washing over me. "You're stubborn as a bantha sometimes, Omega."

She grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

I chuckled, planting a kiss on Omega's forehead. "I've missed you, little one."