On The Run || A Bad Batch Story || Hunter X Reader

As he watched the Marauder jump into hyperspace, Crosshair was filled with rage. His old companions had escaped him again. Not only did he let the Empire down with this failure, he let himself down. He truly felt that it was his duty to take down the remnants of Clone Force 99.

The comm unit on his ship lit up and he opened up the communication channel. A holo of one of the inquisitors appeared. "State your business with the Jedi," he demanded.

Crosshair tried to control the irritation in his voice as he answered, "I have no business with the Jedi. I've been ordered to apprehend the clones traveling with them."

The inquisitor sneered, "It appears you have failed."

"Looks like I'm not the only one. Or was it your objective to let the Jedi get away?" Crosshair couldn't hold back his frustration.

Absolute hatred covered the inquisitor's face, "You dare speak to me that way?" Crosshair started to feel pressure on his throat. He instinctively grasped at his bare neck as he began to choke. Just as he was sure to lose consciousness, the pressure disappeared. He glared at the hologram of the inquisitor, but couldn't hide the fear on his face.

The inquisitor smirked, "Now then... You will either aid us in the capture of our quarry, or never cross our path again. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you what will happen if you get in our way."

Without acknowledging him, Crosshair plugged in coordinates and jumped into hyperspace.

****

"You're letting him go?"

The inquisitor turned towards his companion, "Are you questioning my methods, Seventh Sister?"

Seventh Sister lowered her eyes, "Of course not, Grand Inquisitor."

"Good, I shouldn't think so," the grand inquisitor said, looking down at Seventh Sister with disgust on his face. He then looked towards their other companion, "Why would I let the clone go, Fifth Brother?"

"Because he could be of use to us, Grand Inquisitor," Fifth Brother replied confidently.

"Right you are, brother." The Grand Inquisitor walked up to Seventh Sister's side and whispered in her ear, "If you ever question me again, it will be the last time you do." A chill ran up her back and she nodded silently. "Now, we must head back and report to Lord Vader. He will be wanting an update on our mission."

****

As soon as Crosshair landed back at the Imperial Base, he was immediately summoned by Vice Admiral Rampart.

"I've heard some disturbing news about your mission," the admiral said to Crosshair, "I hope that isn't the case." Crosshair fixed his eyes on the admiral, but didn't say anything. Rampart clicked his tongue, "I hoped it wasn't true... Maybe your effectiveness as a soldier for the Empire has dwindled." Crosshair knew that there was no point in responding. Nothing he could say could change Rampart's opinion of him. "I'm giving you one more chance to prove yourself, CT-9904. Bring me those clones."

Crosshair couldn't help but let out the smallest exhale of relief. Crosshair nodded and turned to exit Rampart's office. "Don't fail me again," Rampart said as he left.

Anger and fear filled Crosshair's mind. He would do as Rampart said and not fail him again. He had to. Good soldiers follow order, and he was a good soldier. The best. He knew that if he came back empty handed again, that it would be the last time. Although Rampart was his commanding officer, he was still someone to be feared. But not as much as the inquisitors.

Crosshair had never felt such hatred in those moments that he was being choked. He had to keep going after Hunter and his crew, but that would only lead to another run in with the inquisitors. He didn't know what would be worse, returning empty handed or getting in the inquisitors' way? He tried not to dwell on what could happen...

A small part of him felt overwhelmingly sad. He longed for the days where he, Hunter, Wrecker, and Tech would work together to complete impossible missions. He had so much pride for his work back then and enjoyed what he did. Without his companions, his friends, he didn't feel the same sense of belonging that he once did. And now he was hunting them down.

But that was on them. He was following orders. He was just being a good soldier. Why couldn't they do the same? Why were they doing this to him? New anger bubbled up inside of him as he dwelled on these thoughts. Soon, they would regret wronging him. Soon, he would have revenge. Soon, he would make the Empire proud.