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The Havoc Marauder buzzed and rattled as it ascended through the air, fleeing yet another perilous mission. The Batch’s assignment on Thustra had been a highly technical one, and Tech was grateful to have had Echo’s assistance slicing into the government’s main database to obtain critical intel needed by the Republic. The squad’s escape proved equally challenging, with gunshots from multiple pursuing droid ships threatening to take their shields offline. The pair sat side by side in the cockpit as Tech swerved and piloted the ship out of atmo, and Echo scomped into the ship’s system to try and keep their defenses up. After a few tense moments, Tech pushed the lever to send the Marauder into hyperspace. Both clones finally sank back into their seats and exhaled, taking in the stars that streaked across the windowpane.
“Seriously, I thought General Skywalker’s piloting was crazy. You could give him a run for his credits,” Echo joked.
“I am not sure I would like to compete against the Jedi,” Tech responded with an air of seriousness, “but perhaps I could teach him a few things.”
Echo smirked in Tech’s direction and gave him a light clap on his shoulder before getting up. “I’m gonna head to my bunk. Nice work out there.”
Making his way back through the ship, Echo grabbed a glass of water from the galley where Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair were having their evening rations. He gave them a nod in acknowledgement and exchanged a few playful jabs before he continued toward the bunks. Once there, Echo quickly stripped down to his blacks and took a long drink of water before lying down in bed. He leaned his datapad against the wall and started to try and type up a mission debrief, but focusing on the glowing screen proved difficult due to a throbbing in his temples that seemed to worsen by the minute. Though the pain had been nagging at him since the latter half of the mission, it was only now that he was at rest that he felt the full brunt of the headache. He ran his hand along a shelf just above the bunk, settling on a small pill box, and popped it open. With another swig of water, he swallowed two of the pills and settled back down. Instead of continuing to work, Echo dimmed the brightness of the datapad screen, lowered the volume, and put on a holovid station—a random frequency he’d stumbled on one evening that featured lounge musicians from some backwater planet. The music wasn’t good, at least by his taste, but Echo hoped it might at least be a calming distraction from the pain that seemed adamant on taking hold of his head.
Tech made his way back through the ship a short while later, after catching up with the rest of the Batch. Although their next mission was not scheduled for a few days, Tech liked to be well-prepared for whatever controlled chaos they might get into, and he had already begun coordinating with Hunter on their upcoming mission strategy. There were a few details that Tech wished to run by Echo, and he headed to the bunks in hopes of finalizing the plan. A quizzical look crossed Tech’s face when he entered and caught sight of Echo, face down on his bed with odd, soft music emanating from somewhere next to him.
“Echo, if it is not a problem, I would like to review—”
Echo hissed into his pillow and slowly rolled to face Tech, shutting the datapad off as he moved. “What was that?”
Tech paused and adjusted his goggles before starting again.
“I was hoping to review our strategy for the upcoming mission on Dantooine, however it appears I have interrupted at a bad time. Are you alright?”
Echo tried to keep his expression from faltering. “It’s… I’m fine, Tech. Just wanted to relax for a bit. Is that okay?”
“While I would prefer your tactical expertise, I can coordinate with Crosshair in your stead.” Tech couldn’t help his eyes from wandering to the shelf where the pill box sat, out of place from its usual spot and lid slightly ajar. Tech stepped closer and lowered his voice slightly.
“Echo, are you sure that you are not in pain? It appears you have taken some medication. I can perform a medical scan, if there is a problem.”
Echo sighed into the pillow as he realized trying to back out of this conversation would only make his headache worse. “It’s just my head. It’ll go away on its own, I’m sure. Unfortunately I don’t think those painkillers were really designed to work on…” he paused a second, trying and failing to find a label that felt right, “… someone like me. Processing everything in that mainframe earlier took more out of me than I expected, that’s all.” He shut his eyes to avoid Tech’s curious gaze.
“I have observed that your efficiency levels take a small decrease after each use of your scomp link. I wonder if there is some correlation. Is this the first time you have experienced a headache after interfacing?” Tech inquired, fingers hovering over the keypad on his wrist.
“Wh—my efficiency levels?” Echo tried to hold his composure, embarrassed by the question, but more embarrassed that Tech had been keeping track of some perceived inefficiency. He frowned but continued before Tech could elaborate on the ‘efficiency’ criteria. “No, this isn’t my first headache. Shaping up to be the worst one yet though,” he admitted.
“I see. And is this a problem that you ever used to have prior to… ah,” Tech hesitated, but Echo noticed his eyes veering to his prostheses.
“Before the Techno Union? No, I never had a problem with headaches back then. This is new. I figured it’s just part of the whole…” Echo gestured vaguely around the ports on his head before dropping his arm back down on the pillow. “To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure what normal is supposed to feel like for me anymore.”
The soft sound of Tech tapping away at his keypad filled the silence. “Understood. For now, I concur the best course of action is to rest until the pain subsides. You may want to take a sleep supplement as well. If it is not a bother, I would like to do some research and see if there may be some solutions to this issue going forward.”
Echo nodded, his eyes already closed and hand rubbing against his temple. “I mean, if you want to, I guess that couldn’t hurt. And… sorry. Let’s talk about that strategy tomorrow.”
Tech patted Echo’s arm gently before shutting off the lights and vacating the room to give him some much-needed sleep.
—
Later in the evening, after chatting with Crosshair and filling the rest of the Batch in on Echo’s status, Tech sat at the small counter that served as his work desk and sifted through a variety of data. He pulled up his notes from their conversation, as well as Echo’s most recent medical evaluation and a holo of the scans he took of Echo’s body when they first found him on Skako Minor. He zoomed in on the scans, focusing on the brain and examining where the technological augmentations met with organic matter. Tech’s eyes shifted between the various documents, mulling them over until something clicked in his mind.
Tech opened a large storage cabinet in the wall, which held a bin of cybernetic parts that had been removed from Echo’s body in the 501st medbay on Anaxes. At the time, Tech had coordinated with Kix and the medical team to establish which pieces appeared safe to remove, and which served a vital function; however Tech had requested to keep the extra parts in case any served a dual purpose that had not yet been determined. (The medics didn’t argue, having no use for the parts themselves, though Echo had requested that they please be stowed away somewhere he wouldn’t have to see them.) Reaching deep into the bin, he removed the processor unit that had originally covered Echo’s left ear, and laid it on the counter. He traced out the connections of the device, analyzing them in comparison to the close-up of the brain scan, and typed up a list of observations. Switching to another datapad, Tech began to sketch a diagram, quickly losing himself to the satisfaction of solving a puzzle that only he could understand.
—
The next morning, Echo rolled over with a sigh and cracked his eyes open. He sat up slowly, grateful that his headache had mostly subsided. On the shelf next to his bed, a fresh glass of water and a breakfast ration pack already waited for him, which he gratefully tore into. He could hear the sounds of the rest of the Batch out in the cabin chattering away, and Echo ate quickly so that he could get up to join them. As he was about to eat his last bite, the door to the bunk room slid open.
“Oh, good.” Tech entered with an unusually chipper note in his voice, and took a seat next to Echo. “I assume you are feeling better this morning?”
“Yeah, much. Not all the way, but my brain’s not throbbing anymore.” He shuffled into a seated position and looked at the spot on the bunk where Tech had settled in. “Make yourself comfortable…”
“I have reviewed your medical data, and wanted to follow up with you on my findings. I have a recommendation which I hope may interest you.”
Echo tilted his head to one side and eyed Tech curiously. “I’d be curious to hear it. Honestly I figured I’d just have to get used to this. What’ve you got?”
Tech pushed a button on his vambrace, bringing his holoprojector to life. Projected above his hand were the scans of Echo’s brain, as well as a three-dimensional rendering of the old processor device. “I have done some additional research pertaining to the processor unit which the Techno Union had connected to your brain. It appears I may have underestimated its utility when we removed this device at Fort Anaxes. While your cognitive abilities are fully functional without the unit, it did provide an additional conduit for data flow when your scomp link is connected to a terminal. This would have greatly reduced the strain on your brain’s computational power. I am sorry to have overlooked this.”
Echo scratched absently at the space around his ear where the device originally sat. “So… you’re sayin’ I have to put that back on if I want the headaches to go away.”
“It would be possible to reattach the unit, however I have devised an alternative option for your consideration.” He swiped his hand and a new diagram appeared, rotating slowly to give Echo a full view. This diagram was of a larger device, U-shaped as if to wrap around the entire back of his head. The interior view showed plugs for connectivity to multiple ports, and additional electronics that would surround both ears. Echo squinted in thought as he watched the illustration rotate in front of him.
Tech walked through all of the details of the device, pointing to them as he spoke: additional cranial port connections would maximize processing efficiency and minimize pressure on any one part of his brain, audio processors should help compensate for hearing loss by enhancing voices and quiet sounds, as well as lowering the volume of loud noises which could trigger a headache, a hidden plug on one side would allow the device to be upgraded if the need for additional functionality were to arise, and it could be removed on occasion for stealth missions, repairs, or other essential scenarios.
“… I understand that another cybernetic enhancement is less than ideal, however I would like to work with you to ensure that this is designed to your satisfaction. I do believe this will provide an increased quality of life.” Tech paused for a moment and looked at Echo expectantly.
The blue light of the hologram glowed against Echo’s face as he stared at it, still pondering. “You designed this by yourself? While I slept?”
“Well, yes. It was largely a simple reverse engineering of—”
“Simple?” Echo interrupted.
Tech shifted awkwardly. “Relatively speaking. What do you think?”
“I… I don’t know. It’s certainly impressive,” he said, looking at the diagram again. “If it isn’t too difficult to assemble, I guess I’m willing to give it a try. I just want the headaches gone. You did say I can take it off sometimes, too?”
“Occasionally. Frequent removal and reattachment may wear at the connections a bit… those ports may need additional reinforcement,” Tech responded, his mind already jumping several steps ahead. “Hopefully, if all works as planned, you will feel more comfortable with it on than off.”
“Okay. Well… let’s give it a shot, if you’re sure,” he replied with a soft smile.
Tech shut off the holoprojector and hopped up from the bed, giving Echo a nod. “Very well. I will get to work; please feel welcome to check in on progress, if you would like.”
Echo gave Tech a wave as he exited, and went about readying for the day. He shook his head, slightly skeptical of Tech’s proposition, but grateful for the attempt to help.
—
Hours flew by as Tech absorbed himself in the work of assembling Echo’s headpiece. He had just enough raw durasteel to shape the frame of the device, as well as some salvaged droid audio processors that would form the basis of the earpieces. As he worked to weld the various parts together, he heard a light knock on the wall next to him.
“How’s it going? Hunter wanted me to bring you this. You missed mid-day meal,” Echo said, placing a warm bowl of soup on the table, careful not to put it too close to any delicate electronics. Tech finished welding the audio processor to the outer frame before lifting his protective visor and looking up.
“Right. Things are going well so far, though I am afraid we will need to wait until our next supply run before I will be able to completely finish. According to my inventory list, I am short two indicator lights,” he stated, tapping the datapad by his side. “Nevertheless, the device should still function before then, I just will not be able to visibly ascertain whether there are any functionality errors. It will be up to you to inform me if anything stops working.”
Echo nodded, but tapped at the bowl. “Understood. Tech... eat. I appreciate what you’re doing, truly, but staring at this all day isn’t good for you.”
Tech glared before indulging himself in the soup. “I am fine, but I appreciate the gesture.” He pointed at the half-finished device while unbecomingly slurping a noodle. “Would you care to try it on? I have not wired anything yet, but I would like to ensure it fits.”
“Uh… sure.” Echo picked up the device gingerly, nervous that he could break the unfinished parts, but slowly lowered it over his scalp. A surprised look crossed his face when it fit perfectly over his ears, wrapping snugly around his head. His voice echoed in his ears when he spoke.
“It feels good, actually. Mind if I see how it looks?”
Tech slid open a drawer and removed a shiny piece of polished durasteel in which Echo could catch his reflection. Still holding the device cautiously, he turned his head left, then right. Tech looked to him with anticipation, unable to decipher the expression on his face. The device certainly appeared to fit correctly, yet…
“Hmmm.”
“I am afraid you are going to need to give me more to go on than that,” Tech quipped.
Echo lifted the device off and placed it gently back on the table. “Sorry. It fits fine. But… I don’t know. I just look so… different. It’s weird,” he floundered.
“Well. I regret to inform you that the five of us are all a bit… outside of the norm.”
Echo sighed. “Yeah. Look, I’m just not used to this. Any of it. You know that.”
Tech put his food down, giving Echo his full focus. “That is understandable, although I have not personally experienced your particular situation. Do you think that you could get used to something like this?” He gestured at the device as he spoke.
“I… think I could. Probably. With time.” Echo sighed, rubbing a hand to the back of his neck and thinking over his other modifications. “At least I have a choice in this one.”
“I can stop pursuing this, if it is making you uncomfortable,” Tech stammered.
“No—I do want the help, Tech. Really. I just… need to build my confidence back up.”
Tech nodded. “Well, now that you have seen how it looks in place, are there any cosmetic adjustments that you would like me to make? Something to make it more your own, perhaps?”
Echo’s expression softened. “Hm. Maybe this outer part could be darker? To go with my armor. And what if the cutout over here was more of a square…”
Tech scribbled down notes as Echo talked through his ideas. The tension eased from Echo’s voice as he rambled through his suggestions, and Tech gave him a small smile once the list was all written down. Once their conversation came to an end, Tech was left to get back to work, feeling anxious yet cautiously optimistic about his progress so far.
——
Tech worked at a more leisurely pace over the next day, stopping to give himself ample breaks and mitigating any unnecessary interruptions from the rest of the Batch. The list of feedback from Echo was manageable, and Tech reluctantly acknowledged that the piece did indeed look nicer after implementing the requested changes.
As he worked to complete the wiring of the last few components, Tech opened the drawer where his stock of fuses and lights were kept. He blinked in confusion as two red indicator lights rolled around loosely in the drawer; the type that he’d sworn he needed to purchase on their next supply run. Mildly panicked, he double checked his inventory list, confirming that he indeed had zero listed in stock, despite there very much being two lights in front of his eyes, ready for use. I really must re-inventory everything once I am done with this, he thought to himself. A presence walking through the hall stirred his attention, and he turned to catch Echo in the corner of his eye.
“Echo. Did you pick these up somewhere? Scavenged on a mission, maybe?”
Echo shrugged. “Nope. Never seen those before… are those for the earpieces?”
“Er, yes. They will go right here—” Tech confirmed, holding one of the tiny lightbulbs in place and making contact with the wiring so that Echo could see it shine for a brief moment. “These are the error indicators. I will be programming these to blink with certain patterns if there are problems with the device,” he explained. “I thought I was all out of these, but it seems I must have miscalculated my inventory at some point. Somehow.” His eye twitched slightly, but Echo gave him the mercy of not acknowledging it.
“Well, hey, that’s gonna look cool. Glad you found ‘em.”
“Yes, of course. As am I. Come back over before late meal, I should be just about done by then.”
“Y’know, I’m looking forward to it,” Echo replied. With a small smile, he headed back toward the galley, where Tech could overhear him chatting with Crosshair and debating the best strategy for their upcoming mission.
—
With all of the wiring soldered into place, Tech snapped the last parts of the headpiece together and sat back in his chair with a contented sigh. He lifted his goggles and rubbed the tiredness from his eyes before admiring his handiwork one more time.
“Echo, it is completed!” Tech called down the hall, leaning back just far enough to catch Echo’s eye. The ARC trooper smirked and gave Crosshair a light elbow before making his way over.
“Yeah? Let’s see how it turned out.” His eyes went wide as he looked at the finished piece. ”Tech… this looks incredible. I can’t believe you put this together so fast.”
Tech’s face flushed slightly. “I have been testing the electronics with an external power source, but they should automatically activate once the device is in contact with your neural ports. Are you ready to give it a try?”
“Right, I guess so. Moment of truth.”
Tech lifted the device and lowered it over Echo’s head, wiggling it slightly until he heard the neural port connections align and snap into place. With a push of a button, the outer layer of the device slid inward to sit snugly against Echo’s skin, and the lights on each side came to life. Echo’s eyes narrowed as the technology activated, and he shifted his gaze from side to side.
“So… do you notice any differences?” Tech asked eagerly. A smile crossed Echo’s face as Tech spoke.
“Heh. Talk some more?”
“I suppose I can do that. It looks good on you, if I say so myself. I hope the acclimation period is not too difficult—”
Echo laughed softly. “That’s enough, thanks. Everything sounds so crisp. I’ve never heard anything like this.”
Tech gave a small grin. “And it’s comfortable?”
“Yeah, actually. Thought it might feel cold, but it doesn’t. I feel alright. Can I try to, uh…” Echo raised his scomp arm and twisted the tool curiously.
“Please do.” Tech walked along with him into the main cabin, where the rest of the Batch were relaxing. Hunter gave a low whistle of approval as they entered. Crosshair gently poked at one of the illuminated panels on Echo’s ear. “Lookin’ flashy there.”
Echo gently elbowed him back. “Well, thank you. Looks are nice, but I wanna know if it works,” he replied with a wink.
Taking a seat at the desk, Echo plugged his scomp link into the ship’s main terminal, instinctively closing his eyes and raising his hand toward the left side of his head where he’d typically feel a burning sensation as data flowed through his brain. This time, however, his hand hovered a few centimeters away until he relaxed and opened his eyes with a soft exhale. “It feels natural, Tech. No pain. And I’ve got access to everything.”
Tech punched a few commands into the Marauder’s main control desk. “Excellent. Can you run an analysis for me? Ship status report would do.”
“On it. Stand by…” The screen filled with data points about the ship’s hyperdrive engine, weapon status, oxygen reserves, shield capacity, and a plethora of other technical details, concluding with a green Status Report Complete message.
“Five point two seconds. Your efficiency rate has nearly doubled.”
Echo sighed in mock annoyance before unplugging from the desk and giving Tech a pat on the shoulder. “That was not my top concern, but… I appreciate it anyway. Hey, hopefully the speed boost will help us out.”
As Echo turned to get out of the chair, Wrecker stepped aside from where he’d been standing and watching, revealing the cabin’s other control desk. The screen was set to show an internal camera, and Echo paused as he caught sight of himself in the display. He smirked as he turned his head back and forth, feelings of strangeness and unfamiliarity slowly giving way to ones of admiration.
“Everything okay there, Echo?” Hunter nudged as the corporal lingered in front of the camera for a moment longer than usual.
“Yeah. Definitely okay. It’s just… me.”
“You’ve always been you, buddy!” Wrecker enthused, picking Echo up in a playful hug and getting soft laughs from around the room. “C’mon, I’m hungry. Let’s eat.” Wrecker put Echo down and pulled him eagerly toward the galley, with Hunter and Crosshair beside them. Tech lingered at the control desk for a few seconds longer, still keeping a watchful eye on Echo as the group walked away. Noticing Tech’s absence, Echo turned to catch his eye and mouthed a quick thank you. The technician responded with a curt nod and a rare smile, and ran to catch up with his squad for a well-deserved meal.