Kamino was crumbling around them, a fine tremor running up Crosshair’s boots with every step. The Batch was reunited—Hunter, Tech, Echo, and Wrecker; plus that stupid kid—but not in the way he had imagined. He thought his plan covered every possible outcome: capture Hunter, bring him here to Tipoca City, lure the rest of the Batch into rescuing him and then force their hand to join the Empire.

He did not account for Omega. And he certainly did not account for the Empire to actively destroy the planet while he was still on it.

But now they were running through the collapsing tunnels underneath the city. The Batch would reach the Marauder, and he… he would wait in the ruins for the Empire to find him again. They may have abandoned him, but his loyalty to the cause was unwavering.

A flash of something bright and golden caught his eye. Crosshair’s steps faltered, and then he saw it.

A figure, draped in a heavy cloak, was standing—floating in the Kaminoan sea on a piece of durasteel that had broken off of the white domes of the buildings. They weren’t panicked—they were deadly still.

And in their hands was a yellow lightsaber. Jedi. “Move.” Hunter shouldered past him, his voice cutting through the air. Crosshair didn’t even realize he had stopped. With one final glance, he kept running.

ONE YEAR LATER, PABU.

It was afternoon on the secluded island, and the sun was beating down on Crosshair as he stepped down the stairs that led to the beach. His rifle was slung over his shoulder; he wanted to practice his sharpshooting even though he already knew how he would do. His hands were still trembling from the cold, sterile walls of Hemlock’s lab on Tantiss.

After escaping with Omega—that stupid kid actually proved useful—he reunited with the Batch. He was still getting used to being back; and kriff, Hunter wasn’t going to welcome him with open arms.

He had just stepped into a small cove when a flash of light caught his eye. No.

Standing just a few feet before him was the cloaked figure, wiedling the same golden saber as before. He couldn’t see their face. He couldn’t see anything except the dark robes and the weapon that was currently lighting up the cave.

“Who are you?” Crosshair asked, his voice a gravely rumble. He didn’t step forward.