Mission to Castle Serenno

Dooku, a descendant of the governing lineage of the Outer Rim planet of Serenno, was surrendered to the Jedi Order during his childhood due to his inherent connection to the Force. He eventually uncovered his lineage and advanced to the rank of Jedi Master, but became disillusioned with his role as a Jedi. Following his return to his birthplace and the overthrow of his corrupt sibling, Dooku relinquished his position within the Order and reclaimed his ancestral title as the Count of Serenno in 42 BBY.

Having developed a strong interest in the dark side of the Force, Dooku eventually garnered the attention of Darth Sidious, the Dark Lord of the Sith. The Sith, ancient adversaries of the Jedi, were believed to have vanished for a millennium after their defeat in the Jedi-Sith War. Operating covertly under the Rule of Two, which limited their numbers, the Sith had been working from the shadows to achieve their ambition of controlling the galaxy. Sidious recruited Dooku as an operative, and subsequently as his Sith apprentice, promising that they would instigate transformative change within the galaxy and improve it. Dooku's discontent with the Jedi had arisen partly from their inaction regarding corruption within the Galactic Republic.

Sidious—publicly known as Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine of the Republic—and Dooku collaborated to initiate a widespread conflict that would serve the Sith's objectives. Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, a former associate of Dooku, had been removed from the Jedi High Council after his visions of the impending war led him to advocate for the creation of an army. Undeterred, Dyas contacted the cloning experts of the remote planet Kamino and commissioned an army from them. The Sith discovered his actions and had him assassinated before assuming control of the project. Using his Sith identity, Tyranus, Dooku convinced the Kaminoans to implant the clone soldiers with inhibitor chips designed to compel the clones to eliminate the Jedi when activated, although the cloners were unaware of their true purpose.

When the Clone Wars commenced at the First Battle of Geonosis, the Jedi were compelled to quickly accept the clones as the Grand Army of the Republic. The war would persist for an additional three years, until 19 BBY. As the leader of the dissenting Confederacy of Independent Systems, Dooku plundered Serenno and other worlds to amass a war fund for financing the war. He was eventually regarded as the wealthiest individual in the galaxy. Palpatine eliminated Dooku during the Battle of Coruscant in the final days of the war, instructing his next potential apprentice, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, to execute him. Several days later, when the Jedi uncovered Palpatine's true identity, he converted Skywalker and issued the secret directive Order 66, which forced the clones to attack their Jedi supervisors. The majority of the Jedi Order was killed in the assault.

Palpatine reformed the Republic into the Galactic Empire. The Empire initiated the targeting and occupation of significant former Separatist worlds, including Serenno. A city located near Dooku's residence, Serenno Castle, was destroyed through orbital strikes, and surviving Serennians were forced to seek refuge on their own planet. The Empire was particularly interested in Dooku's war chest and began formulating plans to seize the wealth for its own benefit. Clone Captain Wilco was assigned to oversee the operation.

Only a small number of clones managed to resist the effects of the inhibitor chips, including most of the members of Clone Force 99, an unconventional clone commando team. They abandoned Imperial service shortly thereafter, taking Omega, a young, genetically enhanced clone who was of particular interest to the Kaminoans' cloning program. Initially pursued by the Empire, the "Bad Batch" began working as mercenaries for the information dealer Ciddarin Scaleback based in Ord Mantell City. Hunter, the squad's leader, was hesitant about involving a minor in their activities, although Omega valued being part of the team and was upset when she was excluded from missions.

The Bad Batch was pursued by their former comrade, Crosshair, who had not been immune to his inhibitor chip, until Hunter was captured during a mission to the planet Daro to rescue Gregor, a clone defector. Crosshair transported Hunter to Kamino, where the Empire was conducting an operation to seize the Kaminoans' cloning science before destroying their cities and facilities. The rest of the Bad Batch followed to rescue him, and when their actions caused Crosshair to lose control of the situation, Vice Admiral Rampart, who was in control of the operation, opened fire on Tipoca City with the clones still inside, leaving them to die together. Bringing Crosshair with them, the Bad Batch was able to escape after a dangerous underwater journey through what remained of Kamino's infrastructure. They left Crosshair behind on a remaining landing platform after he turned down a chance to leave with them, choosing the Empire.

Crosshair was not recovered by the Empire for thirty-two rotations, and was placed on medical leave afterwards. The Empire listed the Bad Batch as dead. The success of the Kamino operation, including the apparent demise of the troublesome rogue clones, benefited Rampart's career in the eyes of his superiors, including Governor Wilhuff Tarkin. In the months afterwards, the Bad Batch prioritized low-level jobs which would not draw Imperial attention, such as the Crab Heist.

The privateer Phee Genoa, a close associate of Scaleback's, informed her about the Empire's actions on Serenno concerning Dooku's war chest. Upon the Bad Batch's return from the crab job, for which Genoa had been the client, they were informed of their next mission. Hunter initially refused, not wanting to attract Imperial attention. However, Scaleback managed to convince the other adult clones in the team—Echo, Tech, and Wrecker—of the value of seizing some of the wealth, and they voted to proceed with the mission. When Hunter rejoined the conversation, he was informed of the others' decision but remained skeptical. Scaleback stated they could acquire enough wealth to secure their freedom, dismissing Hunter's assertion that they already were by retorting that he clearly had not been paying attention to the Empire's spread. She noted she would have to close up her business if the Empire came to Ord Mantell, and even a small portion of the war chest would be enough to set the team up for life and guarantee them a future. The argument finally persuaded Hunter on the job, for Omega's sake.

Onboard the team's transport, Marauder, while en route to Serenno, Echo confronted Hunter over his motivations. Stating that he knew full well why Hunter had agreed to go, Echo said they could be doing more with Dooku's wealth than merely hiding. Hunter retorted that Omega deserved more than a life full of violence and being on the run, but Echo snapped back that their life was like that because of her. He clarified that removing Omega from Kamino had been the right decision, and he would do it again, but the galaxy's broader situation made fighting the Empire a moral priority, as there were others out there who needed the Batch's help. Omega overheard the conversation and misinterpreted Echo's remarks, leading her to feel guilty and leaving her determined to secure the war chest in order to repay the rest of her team.

Upon arrival at Serenno, the Marauder landed during daylight hours near Serenno Castle. After the squad disembarked, Wrecker inquired about the palace's location, and Tech responded that the city was situated on the opposite side of the mountain range where they had landed. As they set out, the Batch was confronted with the grim sight of the city's ruins near the castle. Omega inquired about the cause, and Echo identified it as the result of Imperial orbital bombardment, similar to what had occurred on Kamino.

Upon reaching a vantage point overlooking Serenno Castle, the team observed three class four container transports loaded with shipping containers lined up in front of the complex. The first vehicle departed as they watched, and Tech noted that their opportunity to steal anything was rapidly diminishing. Using Tech's binoculars, Echo spotted Wilco and members of his unit patrolling the area and moving cargo, informing the others that there were over forty soldiers below. Wrecker expressed confidence that the Bad Batch could handle them, but Omega reminded him that they were attempting to be stealthy. Two V-wing fighters launched from a landing zone adjacent to the palace to escort the transport, which Tech noted was standard protocol for high-value cargo. Hunter instructed the rest of the team to reach a container and seize whatever they could, stating that he would serve as the observer on the ground and create a diversion if necessary. The Bad Batch separated and moved downhill towards the castle.

Echo's team stealthily navigated through the woods to a position where they could observe the castle grounds. As the second transport launched, Echo reported that they were in position and the vessel's departure. Approaching the V-wing landing area, Hunter cautioned the rest of the Batch to remain vigilant due to roving Imperial patrols. As the second fighter escort pair departed, Hunter snuck onto the landing platform and, avoiding patrolling troopers, planted an explosive on one of the two remaining V-wings.

Echo allowed another clone patrol to pass before instructing the others to follow him onto the palace grounds. The group approached a large, open cargo container on the bottom right of the third transport behind a row of smaller containers. Observing the open door, which revealed a room filled with seized wealth, they allowed another clone trooper pushing a cart to pass before dashing across the open space and leaping into the container. Wrecker assisted Omega before remaining by the door to maintain watch. He observed a patrolling trooper, CT-8801, approaching and ducked against the wall. While walking alongside the container, CT-8801 heard noises from within and was incapacitated by Wrecker the instant he turned to investigate. Wrecker hauled him inside the container and placed him next to the door. He was proud of having done so quietly, but Tech pointed out that the other soldiers would notice when the unconscious trooper failed to report in. Echo responded that they needed to be gone by then, and Wrecker instructed the others to begin loading up while he kept watch. Omega was impressed by the size of the hoard, and Tech noted that it was only a fraction of it, and that their priority should be items of high value. Echo simplified it that she should go for anything shiny or heavy.

In the palace courtyard, Wilco instructed his men to retrieve the remaining containers from the building and adhere to the schedule. Hunter observed the commander from a distance, still concealed beneath the V-wing. He seized the opportunity to move onto the other starfighter undetected, planting a bomb on it as well as an announcement was made that the final launch would be soon. Hunter's movement as he rolled under the V-wing from one side to the other was heard by two patrolling troopers, but when they went to investigate, he was no longer there, and they assumed it was nothing. He snuck back into the trees.

Inside the cargo container, Tech discovered a crate of electronic currency and scanned them with his device. Omega opened another crate filled with metal pieces and precious stones, summoning Echo to observe. Tech approached as well, and Echo confirmed that the crate's contents definitely qualified as high-value. Examining the riches, Omega questioned how one person could possess so much, and Tech stated that Dooku's fortune likely originated from the worlds he controlled and exploited in the name of his war effort, with Echo adding that that was what corrupt people did. Omega inquired whether they were doing the same, and Echo responded that it depended on how they used it.

Wilco was reviewing a datapad when he was informed that CT-8801 had failed to report in, and he attempted to contact the trooper, becoming increasingly irritated. Hearing the unconscious clone's communication device squawking, Echo contacted Hunter and said they were about to have company. As Wilco instructed his men to locate the missing trooper, Hunter asked Echo if he was clear. Echo responded that they were still inside the container and that they could use his diversion. Responding in the affirmative, Hunter detonated the explosives, destroying both V-wings. Two troopers patrolling the deck were thrown clear of the blast, and one reported the explosion, requesting damage control. Wilco immediately set out for the landing area with backup, ordering the transport team to hold their positions. As the Imperial clones converged on the landing area, the area by the remaining transport emptied.

Hunter reported to the rest of the Bad Batch that he was heading in their direction and to be ready. Echo told the others to speed things up, ordering Wrecker to carry out the crate full of funds first. Wrecker hoisted up the crate and checked for nearby troopers before exiting the container and heading into the nearby woods. At the landing area, Wilco was informed that the damage had been contained, but both escort ships had been destroyed. Wilco asked what caused the blast, and was told they did not know, as both ships' systems had been normal beforehand. Immediately alarmed, the captain ordered Transport Three to secure its cargo and prepare to launch, and for all squads to return to the courtyard and hold the perimeter. The troopers operating the transport sealed its cargo containers, sealing Omega, Echo, and Tech inside as they were preparing to load up and leave. As they turned on lights, Tech stated the development was concerning.

Echo plugged his artificial interface into a socket in the container wall and began investigating. In the forest, Wrecker was met by Hunter, who asked where the others were. Setting his crate down, Wrecker responded that they were still inside the container. Seeing the transport begin to vent steam, Hunter contacted Tech and told him the ship was taking off and they needed to get out of there. Inside, Omega exhorted Echo to hurry, but he responded that the container was externally sealed and he could not open it. Omega told Hunter to hurry as they were trapped, and he responded that he was on his way. Seeing troopers taking up position around the edge of the courtyard, Wrecker said it seemed they knew something was up, and Hunter said they were done hiding. He and Wrecker burst out of the woods, stunning the enemy clones. Wilco saw the disturbance and reported the perimeter breach, ordering the transport to launch immediately.

Hunter and Wrecker ran around the side of the cargo container while stunning their pursuers, climbing onto a ladder running up its side as Transport Three lifted off. The two exchanged energy weapon fire with enemy troopers briefly, but Hunter lost his grip due to enemy fire. He fell, but was able to grab on to the bottom rung of the ladder, leaving him dangling one-handed. Wrecker, who was afraid of heights, began to lose his nerve and said he was regretting where he had ended up. Hunter secured his sidearm to gain a better grip as Transport Three turned and began to fly alongside the palace. Seeing the ship was passing near the castle's main tower, Hunter told Wrecker they had to go. Wrecker was confused as to where, but let go when Hunter ordered him to jump. The two clones fell onto the top of Serenno Castle's main tower, sliding down its steeply curved roof. Hunter used his combat knife to slow his fall, before the two landed on a flatter part of the roof. Wrecker complained that their new position was not any better as Hunter pulled him up from another ledge.

As Hunter turned to watch the transport fly away, Omega contacted him, demanding to know where he was. He apologized, stating he had been "sidetracked" before stating the others needed to get off the ship before it jumped to faster-than-light travel. Tech suggested that they could commandeer an ejection module if they took control of the ship's main hold, and Hunter ordered them to do so, stating he and Wrecker would return to the Marauder and recover them. Seeing activity below, Wrecker commented that it was going to take a while as Imperial clones began firing on them. As they ducked low to avoid the fire, Hunter ordered Wrecker to follow him inside quickly. Wilco ordered the area locked down, leading the security team inside to flush out the thieves.

Hunter and Wrecker successfully reached the castle's grand hall, gaining entry via one of the elevated walkways and then making their way down to the main floor. Wrecker voiced his unease, saying the room gave him the creeps. Suddenly, the hall's primary entrance swung open, revealing a team of enemy clone troopers who immediately opened fire. Hunter and Wrecker returned fire with stun blasts while simultaneously falling back, seeking refuge behind the desk located at the hall's far end. Wrecker inadvertently triggered a hidden floor panel situated behind the desk, which turned out to be part of a turbolift that descended to a hangar below. Aboard Transport Three, Tech unlocked a portal providing entry to the rest of the vessel. He indicated that the nearest escape pod was located five corridors away, and the trio commenced their journey, with Echo and Tech carrying a container filled with loot, and Omega taking the lead. Cautiously, they navigated through the ship, carefully avoiding clone patrols on different levels who could potentially spot them through the floor grating. Upon reaching a sealed doorway, the group paused and placed the crate on the ground so Tech could unlock the door. As they moved through the doorway, with Echo dragging the crate behind, another door opened to reveal a clone patrol. The patrol leader shouted for the intruders to halt, and Tech and Omega responded with blaster fire while Tech urged Echo to locate an alternate path to the pod. Wilco, who was rushing to address the intruders inside the castle, received information from the transport's pilots about the presence of thieves onboard. He issued an order to release the escape pods, recognizing it as the thieves' only means of escape from the ship. ### Cargo release Upon Echo's announcement of the pod release, Tech incapacitated the remaining enemy clones using an EMP grenade before rushing to the computer panel, asserting that there must be another way to evacuate the ship. Echo questioned if he had any alternative ideas besides seizing control of the entire vessel. Omega, who had been studying the ships of the Imperial fleet as part of her education, pointed out that class four transports had cargo containers equipped with reentry thrusters, proposing that they launch the ship's cargo complement as a means of escape. Tech was impressed by the idea, but cautioned that the ejection had to occur before the ship exited the atmosphere, meaning their time was running out. As the trio proceeded down another corridor, with Echo and Tech once again carrying the crate, a trooper patrol suddenly appeared and began firing. Echo and Omega sought cover behind a wall strut, while Tech utilized the dropped crate itself for protection. Employing a smoke bomb as a diversion, Tech instructed the others to retreat, providing cover for Echo and Omega. Back in Castle Serenno, Hunter and Wrecker were engaged in a fierce gunfight with Wilco and his troopers in the great hall. Wrecker inquired if Hunter had any ideas for their escape, and as Hunter examined the area behind the desk, he noticed the turbolift panel in the floor. Highlighting the exit to Wrecker, he requested covering fire before turning his attention to the desk computer to attempt to activate the lift. Additional troopers surged into the great hall through the two side doors and opened fire, intensifying the pressure. Hunter was struggling with his task, and when Wrecker questioned the delay, he explained that Tech usually handled such matters. He eventually managed to activate the lift, and the panel began to descend, but enemy blaster fire damaged the desk computer, causing the turbolift to malfunction and jam. Wrecker declared he could fix it and, deploying a smoke bomb, began to jump on the panel. Hunter, alarmed, attempted to dissuade him, but the panel gave way, sending both of them plummeting alongside the turbolift with loud screams. Wilco and his men continued to fire as they approached the desk, only to discover the newly-formed hole behind it. Onboard the transport, Tech sealed a door with blaster fire to prevent the pursuing clones from advancing. As the three Batchers approached the door to the cargo container they had originally entered, a disoriented CT-8801 stumbled out of it, only to be stunned once again. Echo, Tech, and Omega rushed back inside the container, and Tech activated the controls in preparation for ejection. Omega inquired about their remaining time, and Tech responded that it was very limited. Echo returned to the corridor to maintain watch, as the Imperial clones breached the jammed door. He provided covering fire before Tech announced that he was initiating the cargo release, prompting Echo to rush back inside before the hatch sealed. Transport Three's cargo containers were released into the sky. Inside their container, Tech held some secure netting aside so Echo and Omega could ride out the descent in a secure spot. Echo asked when the thrusters were scheduled to activate, and Omega responded that she believed they should have already. The container continued in freefall, and Tech, clinging to the netting, acknowledged that this was a problem as they were descending at an alarming rate. ### Crash landing Omega reiterated that the thrusters would activate soon, Echo responding that they would be dead if they didn't. The thrusters shortly activated, slowing the container's descent and causing everyone and everything flung about inside to fall to the floor. Tech stated that, other then their inability to steer or control where the container landed, things were going well. At the castle, Hunter and Wrecker arrived in the hangar at the bottom of the turbolift, and Hunter opened the doors to reveal a view of the ruined city. Surveying the area, Wrecker stated that the "regs" had all of the castle's exits sealed, but Hunter corrected him that they still had a way out: down. Wrecker groaned that he had known Hunter would say that, as Hunter pulled out a grappling hook and hooked it into the door rails. He threw the end of the cable out of the doors, letting it spool out. Hunter stated they would use the city ruins for cover and trek back to the Marauder. As Wrecker began to descend the cable, Hunter called Tech and asked him if his group had reached an escape pod yet. Tech responded that they had found an alternate means off of the transport, and that his calculations had them crashing in the upper forest region of the planet. The cargo container struck the ground at high speed, sliding along the surface before coming to a halt teetering on the edge of a cliff. As Tech, Echo and Omega began to move towards the exit, Hunter called them and asked Tech to report. Tech responded that they were alive, but he did not know where they were. Echo added that the Empire would come looking for the containers. Hunter ordered them to lay low and get out of sight, and that he and Wrecker would pick them up in the Marauder. The trio's movement towards the main door, which was hanging off the cliff, caused the container to shift as it began to lose balance. Frightened, Omega asked what was happening, and Echo realized the container was not in a stable position. As it began to tip over the cliff edge, the three clones ran towards the opposite end, fighting against the increasing angle of the floor. The container began sliding down the cliff before they could reach it, causing its contents to fall. It continued halfway down the cliff before coming to rest on a ledge, a crate falling on Tech's leg in the crash. Echo and Omega rushed over and pushed the crate away. Omega asked him if he was all right, and he stated that his left femur had been fractured. With the container continuing to shift slightly, Echo volunteered to climb up top and scope out the situation. When he did, he was displeased to find the crate was still in a precarious position halfway up the cliff face. ### Radio silence At Castle Serenno, Wilco received a situation report that the cargo containers had been scattered across the upper forest region. Clone squads had been dispatched, but the trooper delivering the report felt it unlikely that the thieves onboard the cargo ship had survived. Wilco wanted confirmation, and as he entered the hangar in the castle's lower levels, another trooper presented him with Hunter's grappling hook and reported the two intruders in the castle must be in the city. Staring at the ruins, the captain ordered his topside forces to be redirected, that communications be monitored, and for a shuttle to be brought. At the cliff, Echo and Omega climbed up to the top and pulled up Tech with a rope. He commented that the mission had been eventful, and Echo added they had to get out of sight. As the two men turned to leave, Omega was distraught about leaving the war chest behind. Echo retorted that they did not have time and they had to leave the crash site and find cover. Omega reluctantly turned away and followed. In the ruins, as dusk fell, Hunter and Wrecker took cover from passing LAAT/i gunships. Seeing the gunships land and disgorge troopers, Hunter realized they were setting up a perimeter. Wrecker was confident the Imperial clones would not be able to stop them, but Hunter told him they were monitoring comm channels. Echo was helping Tech walk as their group travelled through the forest when they were contacted by Hunter, who ordered them to execute Plan Double Zero before signing off. Omega asked what the phrase meant, and Tech explained it signified that they would have to go radio silent. ### The survivor One surviving Serennian, Romar Adell, lived in a hidden home near where the cargo container had crashed. The nearby events led him to leave his house to investigate, and he found and watched the three clones in the forest. Omega spotted him and told Echo and Tech they were being followed. Adell attempted to leave, but Omega surprised him. Holding him at the point of her energy bow, she demanded to know who he was and why he was there, to which he responded that he lived there. Echo, following with Tech, also held Adell at blasterpoint and suggested he might be working for the Empire. Adell asked if the three of them were not Imperial. Tech said there was no time for a debate, and Echo asked where the nearest shelter was. Adell said he was having difficulty thinking with Omega's bow pointed at him, and Echo signalled her to lower her weapon. Although appreciative of the gesture, Adell claimed there was no shelter in the area. Tech, however, detected the energy signature of Adell's home 200 meters to the west, and Echo demanded the old man take them there. Adell responded that it looked like he had no say in the matter, and led the trio to his house. ### Breaching the perimeter In the ruined city, Wilco was informed that Imperial forces had inspected half of the ejected cargo containers, but they had not yet located the thieves. They had, however, intercepted Hunter's coded transmission to Tech. Realizing the thieves on the ship had survived, Wilco ordered the search and recovery squads to be divided so all fifty ejected containers could be searched. As some troopers departed in a gunship to carry out their orders, another trooper reported to the captain that the city's perimeter had been secured. Wilco announced his intent to box the rogues in. Avoiding clone patrols, Hunter and Wrecker hid in the shadows as night had fallen. Surveying the Imperials' movements, Hunter concluded he and Wrecker would need to break through their ranks. However, Wrecker was only carrying a few smoke bombs instead of explosives that would do actual damage. Inspecting his surroundings with macrobinoculars, Hunter discovered and pointed out to Wrecker two Armored Assault Tanks lying amidst the ruins, to Wrecker's glee. The two commandos approached the tanks, each climbing into one. However, both vehicles were non-operational. Wrecker reported that his was no good, and Hunter responded that his was down as well. As they left the wrecks, Wilco approached the position with a squad of troopers. Scanning the scene with macrobinoculars, he got a visual on Wrecker and ordered his men forwards. Hunter rejoined Wrecker as he was inspecting another ruined vehicle. Wrecker thought the wreckage had potential, spotting some parts he could use to build an improvised cannon. Hunter told him to forget it, stating the tank would not be going anywhere. As Imperial clones began to fire on their position, Wrecker responded that he did not need it to and, highlighting a battery pack with his flashlight, asked Hunter to grab it for him. Wrecker climbed onto the tank as he and Hunter returned fire. One of Wilco's men reported to him that air support was on approach, and he ordered they be sent in. Hunter threw a smoke bomb as Wrecker strained to pull a component of the tank's cannon free. Cutting the battery pack free, Hunter tossed it to Wrecker. He connected the battery to the component as Hunter dodged more blaster fire. A V-wing approached the site of the firefight, and Hunter asked Wrecker to pick up his pace. When the cannon was fully charged, Wrecker announced they were in business and fired on the approaching starfighter, blowing off one of its wings and causing it to crash in a fiery explosion. Impressed, Wrecker declared he made a good tank. Wilco saw Wrecker approaching with his cannon through binoculars and yelled to his men that they had incoming. As the troopers retreated, Wrecker fired cannon blasts around them which knocked down some troopers, while Hunter stunned others. The two Batchers made their way out of the city. Hunter and Wrecker engaged in a running gunfight with the Imperial clones as they retreated to the Marauder. As they reached the final ridge before the ship, Hunter confirmed it was not far. Wrecker was skeptical as Hunter had said that about the last one, but he responded that he was certain this time. Firing his cannon, Wrecker caused a rockslide above the Imperial clones which buried some of them. ### At Romar's house On their way to Adell's home, Tech, Echo and Omega attempted to explain to him exactly who they were and why they were not Imperials. As they entered the house, Adell skeptically laid out that his visitors were rogue clones, running from the clones of the Republic turned Empire, to which Tech responded that he finally had it, sitting down on an available stool. Omega asked Adell why he lived in the middle of nowhere, and he responded that he had had no choice when the Empire had moved in, adding that he and the other survivors made do. Omega told Echo that since Tech was safe, they should return to the crash site and retrieve as much of the war chest as possible. Echo disagreed, pointing out it was too dangerous and troopers might already have reached it. Omega insisted that they could not leave empty-handed, and Adell, placing some cups on the table, interjected that his visitors were more like other clones than they thought. He suggested they stay away from the "cursed" riches, and Omega responded that they needed it, stating it was not cursed but merely stolen. Adell retorted that not all of Dooku's fortune had been looted from other worlds, as some of it had come from his own people, blaming Serenno's current state on the Count's quest for power. Omega offered to help him get it back, as there was enough for everyone, but Adell retorted that he wanted none of it and to let the Empire have it. He said the sooner both the Empire and his guests were gone, the better, before excusing himself to his basement as he had work to do. Omega insisted it still was not to late to scout the crash site to see if it was clear, but Echo refused, ordering her to keep an eye on Adell. She was dejected, but obeyed. Echo began pacing impatiently while Omega watched Adell move things in his basement. He asked her if she was going to just stand there, and she said she was keeping an eye on him. Commenting that it was not much fun, Adell retrieved a kaleidoscope from a box and tossed it to Omega, telling her to try it out and look inside. Omega asked if there were jewels inside, and when told it was just glass, was disappointed it was not treasure. Adell explained the object was a toy and was supposed to make people happy, which was more valuable than any jewel. Omega was drawn upstairs by the sound of Echo and Tech arguing. Tech said the war chest was never the Bad Batch's to begin with, and Echo retorted that they would have made better use of it. In response, Tech specified that he was merely stating that without the funds, the team would be no better off than they were before, to which Echo argued that he did not see it that way because the Empire was growing stronger while they still did nothing. As he turned to the door, Omega asked Echo where he was going. He curtly replied that he was looking for patrols before donning his helmet and exiting. Adell emerged from the basement with a model two datacore and, setting it on the table, asked Tech if he could borrow his spanner. Tech asked Adell why he had the datacore, and the old man explained it contained a fragment of his people's culture. Tech was fascinated by the "Separatist" archive, and Adell corrected him that it was Serennian and they had existed before the Clone Wars, leading Tech to admit he had never thought of that before. He offered to repair the device. With the adults absorbed with the datacore, Omega saw another door out of the house and Adell's rappelling cable coiled up on the floor and had an idea. Leaving the kaleidoscope behind, she took the rope and snuck out of the house to return to the crash site, neither Tech nor Adell noticing her absence. ### Battle at the cliff's edge Tech finished repairing and restoring Adell's datacore, to the old man's glee, shortly before Echo returned from his patrol. Echo immediately noticed Omega was missing and asked where she was. Tech replied that she had just been present, but Echo, after taking a look into the basement, replied that she was absent now. Adell noticed the kaleidoscope had been left behind and that his cable was missing, and Tech declared Omega must have gone after the war chest. Echo stated they had to find her before the Empire did, and Tech told him to go and he would follow. As Echo ran off, Tech carefully got to his feet and began to limp out of the house. Adell pointed out he would not get far in his condition, but Tech replied that he would manage. At the cliff's edge, Omega tied the rappelling cable around a tree and carried the slack to the edge, looking down at the cargo container. Throwing the rope down, she checked with her flashlight to confirm it had reached the bottom of the container before she started down the cliff. Shortly afterwards, a patrol of three clone troopers on BARC speeders, led by CT-3278, approached the scene. The lead trooper scanned the container dead ahead and ordered the others to stay alert. Echo arrived at the cliff and found the rope. Noticing it was slack, he went to the edge and shone a torch down at the cargo container, calling Omega's name, but he received no response. Hearing the speeder bikes, he turned to see the Imperial patrol approach. They opened fire on Echo when they saw him, and he hurriedly began rappelling down the cliff towards the cargo container. The blaster fire severed the rope, causing Echo to fall the rest of the way onto the container. Echo got into the container as the troopers dismounted their bikes and approached the edge, sealing the door as the enemy clones began shooting at him. His entrance was Omega's first notice that anything at all was going on outside, as she shone her flashlight at him before happily showing him her backpack full of "shiny stuff". Incredulous, Echo asked her if she had not heard the blasterfire and informed her there were troopers outside and they had to go. Omega began climbing towards him. One of the troopers reported they had located the thieves, requesting backup, and was told a gunship was inbound. Another member of the patrol set up an E-Web blaster cannon on a tripod as they were ordered to hold their position. Tech approached the scene slowly, wincing in pain, and surveyed the scene, taking cover behind a tree trunk. He stunned the trooper manning the blaster cannon before hurriedly limping into the trees as the other two troopers noticed and opened fire. In the ruins, as Wilco surveyed the scene and located the body of one dead clone, a trooper reported to him that the intruders were retreating to the eastern ridge. He ordered that air support be rerouted. Hunter and Wrecker were pursued through the forest as they ran the last stretch back to the Marauder, returning fire with stun blasts and Wrecker's cannon as they boarded the ship. Powering the shuttle up, Hunter took the helm and contacted Tech, stating they were in position and asking him to send his coordinates. Tech, in the middle of a firefight with the clone patrol, acknowledged the signal and transmitted the information. With the coordinates received, Hunter said he was on his way as the Marauder took off, two clones shooting at it futilely. Three V-wings moved into pursuit of the attack shuttle as it took off, and Wrecker announced they had company and ran to man the rear gun. Some of the starfighters' fire struck the ship, and Hunter yelled at Wrecker to get them off of their tail. He shot down one of the V-wings. The tree Tech was sheltering behind was being shredded by blaster fire from CT-3278 and his comrade, who was manning the blaster cannon. CT-3278 ordered the other trooper to hold his fire before approaching the tree. When he came around the other side, Tech swatted his blaster out of his hands, but the trooper slammed him against the tree before knocking him to the ground. Tech's pistol was knocked out of his hand, and the two struggled for the weapon. The clone manning the blaster cannon heard several shots and called CT-3278, asking him to report. Tech emerged from behind the tree and stunned him, shooting twice to handle the cannon as well, before collapsing to the ground. ### Letting go Inside the cargo container, as Echo and Omega climbed towards the top, their movement began to cause the ledge upon which it rested to begin to give way. Echo reassured Omega that they were almost there, but a falling crate caused her to loose her grip and fall onto a precariously-balanced large crate. The contents of her backpack spilled, and she began to try and scoop them back inside in a panic, before another shift of the crate sent the bag and its valuable contents falling out of Omega's reach. Echo shouted for her to hurry as the whole ledge was going to collapse, but Omega insisted that she could and had to retrieve the riches. In response, Echo told her to forget about it as the war chest was not important, but Omega insisted it was, telling Echo she had heard what he had told Hunter on the Marauder about the Bad Batch not having a normal life because of her. As the container began to slide, Echo pleaded with Omega to listen to him and asked her to let the wealth go. She stopped, sighed, and turned back to him as the crate she stood upon began to shift, leaping off of it just before it fell as he called to her. The two began to climb upwards again as fast as they could. As the container's speed increased, Echo reached the top and opened the doors, throwing Omega up before following himself. At his urging, they jumped off and found a handhold on the cliff as the cargo container continued its fall down the rest of the cliff face towards the forest below. ### Departure The sound of blasterfire had led Adell to head towards the cliff's edge in case his visitors needed help, and he discovered the unconscious Tech. Waking him up, Tech asked Adell what he was doing here, and he explained he had heard the noise and had been correct in his guess the clones needed help as he assisted Tech to his feet. Echo and Omega had become stuck on a small ledge, and Tech reached the edge of the cliff and called down to them, asking them to hold on. However, the gunship which had been sent to back up the clone patrol arrived on the scene. As it approached, Tech stated he would handle the gunship, and Adell responded that he would grab the cable. Adell tied the rope to one of the speeder bikes as Tech limped towards the blaster cannon. The pilots of the gunship saw the men at the cliff edge and opened fire, causing them to dodge as Adell threw the rope down. Echo and Omega grabbed the line and began climbing as Tech, having reached the blaster cannon, realized another clone patrol was approaching from the forest. Tech shot down the gunship, causing it to crash into the cliff face to the right of Echo and Omega. He then turned the artillery on the approaching bikers, sending them and their vehicles careening towards the edge of the cliff. Adell leapt out of the way as the new clone patrol crashed into the bikes of the old patrol, sending several of them hurtling off the cliff and jostling the bike the rope was tied to. Echo and Omega were sent sliding down the cliff as the bike approached the edge. Adell jumped onto the bike and brought it to a halt right at the edge of the cliff. After checking that Echo and Omega were okay, he reversed, pulling the two to the top. Tech helped Echo and Omega to their feet as Adell rejoined them. The Marauder entered the scene as it shot down another V-wing, and Tech informed Adell it was their ride. Hunter pulled the ship alongside the cliff and opened the door, Wrecker waving the others onboard. As Echo boarded, Adell returned the kaleidoscope to Omega, telling her to keep it and remember what he had said. He encouraged the Batch to leave as more Imperials would be on the way, and Tech asked what he would do. Adell reassured him he was a survivor, before running back into the woods. Tech boarded the Marauder, which departed as Adell watched from the trees. ## Aftermath On their departure from Serenno, Omega apologized to Echo for losing the war chest, but Echo reassured her they would be okay without it. Omega said she had wanted to make things better for the Bad Batch because the others had given up everything for her, but Echo responded that it was a good thing as otherwise they might be fighting for the Empire, or worse. He added that they had made the right choice and he would do it again, which assuaged Omega's worries. Meanwhile, Wilco had recognized Hunter and Wrecker during his encounter with them and duly submitted an official report on the incident, which stated Clone Force 99 had been responsible for the raid. His report drew the attention of Vice Admiral Rampart. Concerned that he would be punished by Governor Tarkin if it was discovered the Bad Batch had not died on Kamino, he travelled to Serenno. Wilco reported to the officer that 85% of the scattered wealth had been recovered and he intended to make sure it was a perfect 100%, but Rampart revealed that Wilco's failure to prevent the attempted theft was not the reason for his visit, but the "inaccuracy" of the captain's report. In response to the admiral's claims, Wilco made it clear he had personally seen members of the Bad Batch during the incident and that the report of their deaths on Kamino was what was inaccurate. Realizing his career was at risk, Rampart said a new report would be submitted with no mention of the Bad Batch, but Wilco refused to falsify official documents. Rampart responded that he would before murdering Wilco and letting his corpse fall off the edge of the cliff at Castle Serenno. Afterward, Rampart returned to Coruscant and eventually dispatched Crosshair on a mission to the planet Desix. When the events of the mission led Clone Marshal Commander Cody to desert Imperial service, Rampart needled Crosshair about his comrades constantly disappearing. Sometimes later on Ord Mantell, Tech, Wrecker, and Omega was asked by Scaleback to go with her to Safa Toma on Serolonis while Hunter and Echo were delivering fifty cases of nerf nuggets. Scaleback went to Serolonis because she had a racer TAY-0 that participate in Safa Toma Classic, a major riot racing event. As they watched the race, Scaleback told Omega that TAY-0 is going to make her a lot of money.

TAY-0 emerged victorious in the initial race, prompting a Dowutin character named Grini Millegi to seek out Scaleback and the clones with a proposition for a wager. Secure in TAY-0's capabilities, Scaleback accepted the bet. As a result of unsportsmanlike conduct, TAY-0 suffered a catastrophic crash, being reduced to fragments before Tech managed to repair him. Subsequently, TAY-0 was struck by an approaching speeder, resulting in complete destruction. Rather than concede defeat, Tech proposed substituting himself for TAY-0, with Cid serving as collateral. Tech secured the win, and Cid was freed as stipulated. After Scaleback's departure, Millegi conveyed to the clones that she respected their devotion to Scaleback, but cautioned them that Scaleback was not someone to be trusted.