Look Me In The Eyes And Tell Me He Wouldn't Do This. I Dare You.

i colored him (finally)

my mental health has been restored only thanks to this scene

EnigmaTech 

My Tech lives AU! This one is based on the idea that the Bad Batch just needs someone with a clear head to follow his trail and appreciate the man for what he is truly capable of! So far I’ve stuck to one-shots and imagines, but this one felt like it needed a little more. I’m not a many-chapter-fic writer, but this one I felt like it could be divided into 3-4 solid chapters that focus on the beloved brainiac. Consider it a mini-series! 

Chapter 1 - Clues 

Tech x FAB!reader (eventually) (just female pronouns; no use of y/n, it’s all in third person [she/her]; no physical description in this one) 

Word Count: ~2.5K

Chapter Summary: Using only what the batch has at their disposal (a lot more than they realize, thank you Tech), a new friend manages to convince them that Tech survived and is in need of their help!

TW: mentions of Tech’s demise (but he lives!); reader infodumping (self-indulgent, sorry! I really connected with Tech on this and this is how I'm coping with the writers' poor decisions at the end of s2); I am a scientist, so I wanted to bring my own experiences into this a bit, hopefully, I got all the details correct, I'm not a geneticist tho, nor a comp sci person, so please be nice if I messed up!

Author's Notes:

Somehow, this came out from Hunter’s pov. Wasn’t exactly the way I’d planned it, and this might change in the next chapter, but I needed a way to illustrate how Hunter was struggling with losing two brothers and his little girl (he's 100% a girl dad now, no going back).

Also, this is totally self-indulgent. I always write she/her/reader's pov like it's me because that's what I know how to do. If I can write from the heart it's more genuine. Hope you guys are okay with that!

I like to make references to other fandoms and stuff when I write, hope you guys don’t mind that. There’s at least 1 blink-and-you-miss it Hamilton reference, among others… hehehe!

Side note, this was not beta'd. I tend to just crank stuff out because it's on my mind, and post it asap so I can get it off my chest. Please lemme know if there are typos and if you guys like it!

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She joins the team shortly after Tech and Omega are stolen from them. 

When the bad situation they were in got even worse, they ran to Rex, in need of a calm, collected, commanding presence that wasn’t in the grip of fresh losses to help them figure out what to do next. Rex brought them his best analyst, an old friend who quietly helped out in secret during the war, and now helped him rescue as many brothers as he could. 

Echo knew her. They came up with a few battle strategies together when he was with the 501st. He trusted her with his life. 

Hunter, who always held his trust in reserve to begin with, now trusted even less since Cid is the reason Omega is now in the clutches of the Empire. But Rex and Echo insisted, and he knew they were in dire straights and would not be able to rescue Crosshair and Omega (and Tech) on their own, especially not while their better judgment was clouded with so much pain. 

At first, she just helps AZI patch them up and keep an eye on them as they heal. Slowly, they begin to trust her a little more. As she brings them water so they don’t have to get up, and sits with and chats with Wrecker until he falls asleep, and helps Echo with his prostheses, and always makes a point to do everything quietly to go easy on Hunter’s senses. They appreciate how her effort says she cares.

Eventually they start letting her learn them a bit more. And they learn more about her. She’s an interesting mix. She’s somewhat neurodivergent like Tech - she can go on endless infodumps and loves to learn. But she also has moments where she exhibits what Tech once described to the as “neurotypical behaviors”. She jokes with the men and flirts with them when the time is right. She gets a lot of social cues, but she does miss a fair amount too. The boys learn why Tech describes his differences like a spectrum. 

Eventually, Hunter and Echo come to the realization that she is going to need notes, detailed notes, if they are going to find their lost siblings. They have all tried giving her as many notes as they can remember, but in order to do enough research to find them, she would need to know more about Crosshair and Omega, and no one took notes on everyone quite like Tech did. They decided to give her access to Tech’s notebook, if all 3 of them agree on it. So they confront Wrecker. He’s all in. He trusts her, despite Cid’s betrayal, his determination to see the best in people has hardly wavered. Anything she needs to help them get their brother’s back is fine with Wrecker. And he trusts that if both Hunter and Echo have come to the same conclusion, then it’s worth it. 

For days she sat reading his copious notes, it kept her quiet and distant from them - Hunter was grateful for that, he needed time to adjust to her presence He wasn’t used to being around a woman so often. She brought a different way of existing to the soldier’s lifestyle he was used to. 

Her habits and mindset was somewhat new to him. 

“It may seem like an enigma now, but there are clues everywhere. You just need to know where to look and how to read them” she had said when she began her quest to learn more about their fallen brother, lost brother, and stolen sister. 

He was just grateful he, Wrecker, and Echo didn’t have to re-live the pain watching that horrible moment all over again to try to get something out of it. 

One day she begins to surface from his notes. Hunter braces, he had gotten used to her presence like that, and didn’t think he was ready for the conversations about brother’s end that were certainly coming. 

“This passage here, about Omega… it doesn’t make sense, it’s not Tech’s words” 

“What do you mean?” Hunter peers over her shoulder “that’s him alright, watched him write that one myself shortly after we picked her up.” 

“Oh, that’s not what I meant, sorry… these words are phrased exactly the way he writes everything, his speech patterns, his grammatical ticks, he IS the one that physically wrote the words down, except one thing doesn't match his pattern: the scientific errors. The one thing he knew none of you could check.” 

“So, you’re saying that Tech tricked us?” Hunter’s annoyance is apparent in his tone. His temper was on a short fuse these days, but she understood why. 

“No! I’m saying he’s employing a handy psychology tactic here. Usually used only for one of two purposes: reassurance or manipulation, but it’s definitely the former.” You hold up a hand, knowing Hunter is read to interject and snatch Tech’s datapad away from you for implying Tech would ever deceive his brother’s and harm them. “I know, you watched him write it and he would clearly never hurt any of you intentionally. A later passage about his conversation with Omega about feelings clearly conveys that quite eloquently and explains how deeply he cares for each one of you, but I think he might be trying to protect you from the full truth here, at least until he knowns what it is. As I’m sure you noticed, almost everything he writes has a double meaning, if not a triple meaning.” 

Hunter’s eyes remain narrowed, but he’s quiet, waiting for the whole story before he makes any decisions. He was protective of his little family before, and that’s multiplied tenfold since Cid’s betrayal cost them so much. 

“This passage here uses the word “perfect copy” to describe Omega, but there’s a lot inherently incorrect about that from a scientific perspective, and Tech clearly knows that. Perfection is, technically speaking, unachievable. There’s always something that deviates from the original, just a little, especially when discussing the complexities of genetics. I’m no geneticist, but his notes from when you first met Omega states that according to his scan (the results of which are included in the notes), she bears the female genetic marker - two X allosomes, and no Y - and has since she was created, which in and of itself means that she cannot be a perfect copy of Django who was male at birth, and bears the same male genetic markers that you lot do - an XY allosome pair. Which means, his statement here that she is a “perfect copy” is incorrect and he clearly knows that… at one point he even goes on to describe how she displays more neurotypical traits like you boys, rather than his neurodivergent ones… (whispered) paternal traits indeed, you’re definitely a clone of Django, you shouldn't worry about that Tech... He could be referring to her as a ‘perfect child’, however, again, perfection is inhuman and totally impossible when referring to something as complex as a sentient being, so that’s also unlikely unfortunately, as sweet as it would be for him to describe her like that… Earlier he mentioned that Nala Se told Tarkin that there were 5 ‘genetically deviant clones’ and that that must include Omega because Echo is genetically a ‘Reg’…” 

She turns to face Hunter directly, “Tech knew you were reading this over his shoulder and had access to it. He’s doing his best to describe Omega in a way that will only fortify your protection of her, not because that would ever waver - he describes several times how your paternal instincts are very attached to her, and he is both certain and grateful that nothing could change that - but he does it because she is very important to something, some big secret thing the Kaminoans are doing, though I don’t think he knows what exactly…” she trails off, searching through the datapad for more as she thinks. 

Hunter is shocked, first by her analysis, second by how easily she read Tech, and third by the fact that he, Hunter, is starting to agree with her analysis. “But if they’re ‘not his words’ as you said… then whose words are they?” 

She’s silent for a moment, as she considered this, still scrolling back through Tech’s copious notes. Hunter is struck for a moment how Tech always seemed to write like he was running out of time… 

“I think… I think, based on the way he explains how you lot describe Omega when she’s asleep and your paternal instincts ‘truly appear’ as he puts it, and,” she emerges from Tech’s notes for a moment, and Hunter is struck by how she’s just like Tech “and from my personal experience around you lot… I think he’s using your own words as a way to reassure you. Again, a handy psychology trick when used by a kind hand.” she nervously dives back into Tech’s notes. Hunter notes how she seems to make an effort to not annoy him again. 

She continues with her thought as her mind races on “all of the words he uses to describe Omega have positive connotations, there’s no hidden negativity, which means his intentions are good and not manipulative.” 

She looks up, but doesn’t totally dissociate from the datapad this time, her eyes still glossy wand swirling with thoughts. She opens her mouth like she’s poised to say more, but worry crosses her features “I’m sorry, I’m rambling again. I’ll stop. I do that a lot, I know.” 

She looks around concerned, by this point both Echo and Wrecker have joined the conversation, but none of them can look at her right now. 

Hunter is the first to speak “don’t worry, we’re used to it, Tech does the same thing all the time… or… used to anyways.” 

She tenses a bit “understood, I’m sorry for your loss, I still intend to help you as much as I can. Loss like that is cruel, let’s see if we can get him back, yeah?” 

“Yeah” Hunter relaxes a tiny bit, but feels the sadness of loss settling in. He doesn’t believe Tech could have survived that fall. 

She dives back into the notes. There’s a moment of silence. She continues to read quietly, giving the men a change to exchange quiet glances, feeling better now that they might have someone like Tech, something familiar, who can help them find their family. They find comfort in the quiet as she continues to ponder his scribblings with a knitted brow for a few moments. 

Hunter breaks the silence. “I feel almost ashamed that none of us figured that out. He’s our brother. I guess we didn’t know him as well as we thought we did.” 

“It’s not your fault, Hunter. Same goes for you two,” she pats Echo and Wrecker. “Pain of loss can be blinding. You do know him well, but your own emotions got in the way. It helps to have an outside voice to help you see through the haze of emotions. Nothing wrong with asking for help. I’m  here to help in any way that I can.” 

Her attention shifts again, and she emerges from the datapad completely this time. The hand that clutches it falls to her lap as her eyes find Hunter’s, and he’s not surprised to find a new thought sparkling in them. 

“You said Hemlock gave you back his goggles, did he not?” 

“Yeah” Hunter’s hesitancy returned 

“Don’t worry, I don’t want to hurt any of you lot, either. I just need more information about the incident itself” 

Hunter sighs. 

“Did his goggles still have the recording device on them?”

“How did you know about that? None of us told you about that” 

“He includes many screenshots and videos from them in his notes” 

“Right. Sorry” 

“It’s okay. Hesitancy to trust is natural after being sold out like that, I understand. But please know that I just want to help you find your brothers and sister, they seem like good people, and this Tech fellow is clearly brilliant!” 

Hunter produces the goggles, recording device still attached. 

Echo chimes in “I checked for a recording from it, but scans said there’s nothing on it” 

“No backups? You’re telling me a man like Tech didn’t have backups of everything in a secure format? Is this not his backup datapad full of his notes I’m holding? I’m guessing that somewhere on here is a backup copy he fashioned himself that the Empire wouldn't be able to tamper with, one with a hidden access port - something the Imperials wouldn't know to look for since to them devices like this are usually only remotely accessed” 

She gently detaches the recording device from the goggles and inspects it carefully. The men gather around her and watch her with baited breath. Clearly the Empire did not remove it from the goggles, as there is still a fair amount of dirt on the side that had been next to the band of the goggles. As she gently brushes the dirt off, her finger nail finds the edge of something. Tracing it out, she finds a rectangle in the rubbery casing around the recording device, and gently pops it open. 

“Bingo” she whispers, as though a loud noise will shatter the moment. 

“I think I’m starting to agree with you” Hunter whispers in her ear, quiet enough that only she can hear. 

She inspects the port the silicone hatch revealed “I don’t suppose any of you lot have seen a cable that might fit this lying around somewhere?” 

They sit quietly for a moment, well aware Tech left cables for all sorts of things scattered everywhere. Each contemplating the most likely spot for Tech to keep an important cable like this, before Echo pipes up “I’m betting he’d keep a spare in his spare kit!” 

Wrecker launches out of his makeshift seat to grab the kit, and hands it to Hunter. “You better look for it, I don’t think he’d like me rummaging through his stuff… might break something…” he trails off, clearly sad. 

She pat’s the big guy on the arm and he sits back down, a little closer this time. Seeking her warmth for comfort. 

“He clearly loved and still loves you very much Wreck, even if he has his own way of showing it” 

Wrecker smiles, “thanks Y/N” 

Hunter produces several cords from Tech’s pack and holds them out. “One of these look like it might fit?” 

“Yes!”

Echo reaches for the other end of the cable “what does the other end look like?” She let’s him inspect it while she attaches the one end to the recording device. 

“This one goes here,” he plugs it into the console they sit next to. “Let’s see what he got as…. Let’s see what trail he left for us” 

As the recording comes up on the bigger screen, they all gasp. Most of the contents of the recording are going to be a difficult mess to untangle, but one thing is clear: Tech is very much ALIVE!!!

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reblogs welcomed! Please don't steal my work though! I pour my heart into these so if you like it please reblog to share instead of reposting it!

Lolz. I'm sorry, I just have a feeling this would be Crosshair's reaction to when Tech and Phee are reunited. 😆 Just Tech and Phee below for anyone that just wants the romantic version. 🥰

LOVE AGAINST THE ODDS

Pairing: TECH X F READER 18+

AN: THIS IS A SHORT STORY OF TECH AND THE BAD BATCH LIVING IN MODERN UNIVERSE. IT IS A SLOWBURN FAKE DATING STORY FOR FUN. NOT PROOFREAD. ALSO, THERE WILL BE SMUT IN FUTURE CHAPTERS.

CHAPTER 6

Waking up to the sunlight beaming through your curtains hitting directly on your face. Soft groans coming from you as you slowly stretch your arms out. As you were in hope you would be able to sleep in instead of being woken from the light. Your cat decides to jump on your lap in hopes you lay back down. Surprised as your cat was not meowing at you for food this early. As you were petting your cat, you notice a message from Tech. Not shocked that he would be awake this early. He was probably awake this early doing work like always.

“Good Morning. Do you wish to accompany me on a leisurely tour of the aquatic exhibits at our local aquarium? We can discuss more about our contract.”

You could feel your heart racing reading his message. Tech was inviting you to the aquarium. The local aquarium was such a genuine nice place to go. It was not too crowded, but it did have its peak times. All that mattered was you were going to the aquarium to see beautiful aquatic fish. What made it even more better you were going with him. You quickly reply to his message.

“That sounds great to me.” Hitting send you quickly get up to get ready. Your cat following right behind you as you rush to the bathroom .

Once you finished getting ready. You pour some food and water for your cat. Smiling at how your cat quickly eats. Phone buzzing in your hand as you already knew Tech would be outside waiting fr you. Saying bye to your cat you grab your jacket and head outside.

Tech looks up from his phone as he sees you walking down to his car. He hurries to open the car door for you.

“Aren’t you such a gentlemen”

A sly smile appears on his face as he closes the car door and walks over to the drivers seat. Tech explains to you the plans he has once you both get to the aquarium. Not a single word was coming from you as you were a bit distracted. Watching him drive was attractive. His knuckles gripping the steering wheel as his soft brown eyes were focused on the road. Staring at techs tan lips moving slowly as your eyes are glued to his lips. Wondering how his soft tan lips would feel pushed upon yours. Your hand touches your plump lips. He looks over at you wondering why weren’t responding to him.

“Is everything alright?” Tech ask he looks over at you then back on the road.

His words making you come back to reality. Every time you got lost it was as if you were in cloud nine. Just being near him brought this warm comfort and you weren’t sure why.

“Oh yes uhh. I just got distracted for a minute.” You say in hopes he didnt see you staring at him. Tech side eyes you then focuses back on the road.

“Very well then.Did you hear everything I said?”

Your eyes widen as you weren’t really listening to what he said.

“Uhhhh yeah of course I heard everything.” You casually try to lie putting a piece of your hair behind your ear.

“Okay then. Im assuming you heard the part where we both will participate in feeding the sharks?” Tech says with a little smirk as he staring at the road.

“Wait what? Feeding sharks?” A bit worried if he was being serious.

Tech laughs quietly under his breath. Feeling a bit amused as he knew you weren’t listening. “Yes, we will be feeding sharks together.”

You hear his laugh under his breath. Rolling your eyes as you knew he was joking. “Fine, if we really are feeding sharks together then you owe me a plushie for my bravery.”

Tech smiles, amused by your request. “Hm, very well then. I will make sure to provide you with the desired plushie as promised.”

“We’re not actually feeding the sharks right?”

Tech pulls into the parking lot. He chuckles softly amused by your reaction. “Do not worry, we will be safely observing the sharks from a far distance.”

You nod your head as you grab your phone putting it do not disturb. “So, what was actually running through your mind?” Tech ask as he makes sure he’s parked correctly.

“Oh just thought of something from work. same old thoughts.” You say quickly in hopes he buys this. As he’s finished parking he nods his head understanding. Letting out a soft sigh as he didnt ask no more questions.

Grabbing your purse as you both walk over to the aquarium. Tech goes to the booth to buy tickets. Taking a look around noticing there was a line waiting for others to get inside. Tech puts his hand on your back as he guides you both to skip the line. His soft hand placed on your back made you feel a bit eased from the crowd.

“I purchased these tickets in advance to expedite our entry into the aquarium. I just had to inform the worker. These tickets will gives us exclusive access to certain exhibits.”

“Wow Im excited to see. It’s been a while since I came here.” A bit impressed at tech going out of his way to get exclusive access for the both of you. Techs hand still on your back as you both head over to the exhibits.

The aquarium is a large, open building with high domed ceiling.Soft blue lights illuminated in the area where you both. The soft blue lighting making it feel as if you’re in the ocean. A large exhibit of colorful fish swim in circles. The air is cool and smells lightly of the ocean salt. You look at tech who is reading information that is located on the side of the tank.

“I am a scanning information about these species. The fish are primarily considered a schooling species. They tend to travel in large groups, both for protection and to optimize feeding efficient. They primarily feed in small algae and plankton. The bright colors of these fish are an adaptation that serves to camouflage them within their natural habitat amongst corals and rocks.”

You chuckle a bit at his info dumping. That was bonus about being in a fake relationship with him.It was exciting having the company of someone who values on learning.Tech notices he still has his hand on your back. Debating to take his hand off, but leaves as it is.

“That’s good to know. I didnt know they ate plankton.” Tech smiles as he knew you were listening. Both of you continue walking admiring different fish in the exhibits. A fish catches your eye in one of the exhibits. It was a long fish that was hidden under the sand.It was flat and a brownish color.

“What kind of fish is this Tech?” You say looking up at him. Tech reads the information provided on the plaque. “These fish are known as flounders. They are known for their ability to camouflage themselves. Notice their body is typically brown or grey color that resembles the ocean floor, while the underside is pure white. These species feed on small fish and crustaceans.” He looks at you as he explains.

You nod your head listening to him explain. A little kid runs and bumps into you. Which makes you push into techs arms a bit more. His hand on your back tightens around your waist making sure you don’t fall. Your hand on his chest as you both make eye contact. The parents apologize to you as they run chasing their kid. You chuckle a bit moving a bit away from him. Tech eyes go back on the exhibit in front of him and drops his hand from your back. Your attention going on the fish swimming. Your smile drops as you miss his touch on your back.

“Are you alright? He asks, a hint of worry in his voice. His expression is calm.

“Im alright Tech. Now let’s go see the jellyfish.” You say, grabbing his hand to walk over to the jellyfish exhibit. A faint smile, he intertwines his fingers with yours as you proceed to the jellyfish exhibit. Once arrived, beating the crowd as its just you both standing in front of the tank. The mesmerizing Black Sea nettle jellyfish. The translucent, bell shaped body hangs delicately below a mass of tentacles, which billow out like translucent curtains when they move. The color of the jellyfish has a distinctive purplish bell to it.Tech gazes intently at the jellyfish, observing their graceful movements. His brown eyes lighten up as he’s memorized.

“Jellyfish are one of my favorite sea creatures. Especially as beautiful as these.” Your eyes not leaving the tank as the jellyfish move around. Two hands intertwined the soft vibrant blue lighting in the darken room. His soft warm vibrant hand in touch with your hand. Creating two main warmth feelings in the chest. Your heart beats faster,but at a rate where you can feel the butterflies.

“They are fascinating creatures.” Tech speaks softly as his attention turns to you. A sly smile appears as he sees your eyes glued on the tank. His gaze on you as he feels a soft warm feeling in his chest. Turning your head towards him to see him staring at you.

“Did you know Black Sea nettle jellyfish stings are not nearly as painful as other jellyfish stings.” Your voice is soft with a little crack at the end. Tech looks at you impressed.

“That’s correct. I am impressed.” He pushes his glasses back. His hand not letting go as he enjoys the comfort of your hand. A sly smile as you admire the two purple fish swimming in circles in front of you both.

“We should get going to the main exhibition and discuss further about meeting my family.” Tech grabs your hand and walks with you to the main event

"I have love and dreams too."

*Loud sobbing*

all angles~

ac: deltapork on twt

#Protect the baby

Made this for Tech Tuesday.