The Bad Batch and the Last Princess of Predita

Chapter Three: CT-1409, Code Name: Echo!

"That creature still has a hold of the General." Crosshair states as he used his scope.

"We're going in, but remember what the General said, 'No casualties, disarm only'." Rex states.

"We're on it, Captain." Hunter states, "Wrecker, Crosshair, rockslide." Wrecker pushes a rock down towards the village and they move in using stun blasters only. The reptiles fly off and Hunter holds his weapon to the leader who speaks to him in his native language.

"Tech, translate what he said." Hunter states.

"He says he doesn't want our war on his planet." Tech states, "That is why he took our leader."

"We didn't bring the war here. It was Wat Tambor and the Separatists." Anakin states and Tech translates.

"Tell him we apologize for what's happened. But tell him the enemy is holding one of our men prisoner in Purkoll." Rex explains, "As soon as we rescue him, we'll leave his planet, for good." Tech translates and the chief looks at Tech confused that he was speaking his language.

"The chief says he will provide us with scouts and lead us to Tambor's city. From there, we're on our own." Tech states.

"Any help is better than no help." Anakin states.

[Later]

They are led to the location and then the scouts leave them. Anakin turns to look at the group.

"Hope nobody's afraid of heights." Anakin states. The team looks at Wrecker.

"Well, I'm not scared of nothing! I just... when I'm up real high, I got a problem with gravity." Wrecker states.

"That's... the very definition of scared of heights." Kyla explains.

"Speaking of problems, I'm no longer picking up Echo's signal." Tech explains.

"I... I don't understand. You said it was coming from this city." Rex states.

"I can only speculate but it is possible there's a latency issue with the frequency caused by all these atmosphere disturbances." Tech explains.

"Or... maybe they sent the signal to lure us into a trap." Hunter suggests, "And maybe your friend's actually dead. Well, I can't be the only one thinkin' of that."

"Look, every mission could be a trap. This one is no different. I'm telling you that signal is being sent by Echo himself! He's alive!" Rex exclaims.

"I think you're letting your personal feelings get in the way because you left him for dead at the Citadel." Crosshair explains.

"I had no choice. You hear me?" Rex replies angrily.

"Oh, I don't blame you. I would have left him for dead too. Besides, he's just another reg." Crosshair states and Rex punches him.

"Hey!" Wrecker exclaims grabbing Rex by the back of his suit, "Why don't you pick on someone not your size."

"You'll be a whole lot smaller when I'm through with you." Rex growls.

"Guys, stop!" Kyla exclaims.

"That's enough." Anakin states at the same time, "Sergeant, take your men and scout the area for a tower entrance. Kyla, go with them. You're the only one I trust to go with them. I want to talk to my Captain alone." Kyla walks away with Hunter, Crosshair, Tech and Wrecker.

"What are you and Rex going to do if Echo is dead?" Hunter asks.

"We'll deal with it." Kyla states.

"But I thought you said he's–" Hunter replies.

"I already found him." Kyla states as she looks at Hunter.

"Hmm?" Hunter asks.

"I'll explain later." Kyla replies. They head to do what Anakin told them to do and Tech regains the signal. They find a location and Anakin and Rex join them.

"We're in business, General. Tech regained Echo's signal. It's coming from this tower. How's it going, Tech?" Hunter asks. Tech gets the door open.

"Sorry it took so long." Tech states.

"Hey Crosshair, check it out." Hunter states and Crosshair steps inside.

"Yeah, it's a lift." Crosshair states.

"Well, we already knew that." Hunter states.

"Wait, wait, wait. A lift?" Wrecker asks, "How far up are we going?"

"Don't worry, Wrecker, I'll hold your hand." Hunter teases.

"Hey! Cut it out, Sarge." Wrecker replies, "Just give me some droids to crush." They all get onto the lift. Kyla readies her weapons.

"Remember, this is a stealth mission. No blasting, no blowing things up. Nobody knows we're here." Anakin states. The door opens and Wrecker rushes out and attacks the droids. The Bad Batch and Kyla rush out to help. Anakin stares in disbelief.

"So much for stealth." Rex states. They take all the droids down.

"YEAH!!! AHAHAHA! YEAH!" Wrecker exclaims happily and everyone stares at him, "Uh... sorry. I just got excited."

"I've still got a lock on Echo's signal." Tech explains.

"All right, men... and Kyla. Let's hunt some droids." Hunter states.

"Now you're talking! YEAH!" Wrecker exclaims as Kyla follows after Hunter. Anakin was right behind her. They moved forward.

"Where exactly is Echo's signal coming from?" Anakin asks.

"Strange. I just lost the signal." Tech explains.

"What? How can that be?" Rex asks, "There's no 'atmospheric disturbances' up here."

"Well, I have a new theory. I'm surprised I did not consider it earlier. The signal is only traceable during data transmissions. So until Echo dispenses more intel, I cannot pick up the signal." Tech explains.

"Okay, we're splitting up. Search every door. If someone finds Echo, contact the others. We go in together, just in case there's trouble." Anakin states. Crosshair went with Anakin while Kyla ran off with Rex, Tech, Wrecker and Hunter. They all started checking rooms one at a time.

"Ah, it appears the signal is back. It's from up ahead." Tech explains.

"In there." Hunter states as they find the only room it could be.

"Tech, open this door." Rex states and they hear something. They look over to reveal Wat Tambor as he appears in a communication signal.

"You clones are so predictable." The guy states.

"Wat Tambor." Rex states.

"Your algorithm predicted nearly every move you made to infiltrate Purkoll." Wat Tambor states.

"There is no algorithm! We know you're holding a prisoner of war here!" Rex states.

"Prisoner? I don't know what you mean, Captain." Wat Tambor states.

"I am leaving here with my friend." Rex states.

"Your friend is dead." Wat Tambor states, "His mind is ours."

"LIAR!" Rex yells. They get surrounded.

"Execute them!" Wat Tambor orders. Hunter throws his dagger at the same time Kyla throws hers. They begin fighting and Anakin shows up with Crosshair. They all fight together. They finish off the droids before more arrives.

"Tech, open that door for Rex!" Anakin orders.

"Yes, sir!" Tech replies.

"I hope you find what you're looking for, Captain." Hunter states. Rex and Tech head through the door. They find Echo and Rex's eyes widened beneath his helmet. He brings Echo down and Echo comes out of his daze. The two have a brotherly moment as Rex tells him that he's safe and that he is going home now.