17.

                                    

                                          
The Bracca sun was hot and unyielding. It pressed against Saedii's skin, making it go slick with sweat, and for once, she regretted having nothing to wear but her old Jedi robes. She looked longingly at the Clones, whose armor had thermo-regulators built-in, ensuring they stayed cool even in the heat. 
She lingered under the shade of a broken X-Wing, seeking solace in the shade. And a little distance from her new companions.
A few feet away, Hunter and Tech were leaning over a holopad, trying to map out a potential looting field. Tech had done a sweep earlier in the Marauder to get an aerial view. Now, they were deciding which targets would prove most successful. 
"This is another Jedi cruiser, not far from here." Tech pointed over Hunter's shoulder. "It appeared far more intact than this one. If the Scrapper Guild were unable to get inside, we could potentially go through the armory."
"If they did get inside, it's a waste of time. This cruiser had its armory wiped. We can't guarantee the other will have fared much better," Hunter argued. 
"Still. I believe it may be worth the risk. Military-grade blasters and explosives run a high price on the black market."
Lounging behind them, Crosshair was cleaning his gun. He didn't seem particularly interested in the conversation. 
He looked up as if he sensed Saedii's stare, just long enough to give her a scowl. She returned it. Somehow, he was just as unbearable without the chip, even if he wasn't trying to kill her. Just his very grumpy presence was enough to get Saedii's hackles raised. 
"I brewed some caff." Echo appeared, carrying a pot and a stack of cups. Hunter and Tech both accepted one, but Crosshair waved him off. 
Saedii jogged over. "I'll take some."
Hunter eyed her suspiciously. "Are you old enough to drink caff?"
"I fought in the Battle of Tal Mara and you're asking if I'm old enough to drink coffee?"
He closed his eyes, as if asking some alien god for patience. "It was just a question. Not everything has to be a battle."
"Clearly, you've never worked with teenagers. Everything's a battle with them." Echo poured her a cup and held it out. 
It was hot and bitter, but strong – exactly what Saedii needed after her long night without sleep. She drained it in a few sips, wincing as it scalded her tongue, then held her cup out for more. 
"You do know this is just coffee, right?" Echo asked as he refilled her cup.
"Funny," she said drily.
As she took another sip, Hunter turned to Echo and asked, "Where's Wrecker and Omega? Usually, Wrecker's first in line for caff."
"I believe they are playing with explosives," Tech said as he also drained his mug and went for a second. 
A muscle feathered in Hunter's temple. "With what?"
There was a muffled explosion somewhere nearby – nothing at all like the usual boom of a full detonation. More like a smoke bomb. It was followed by the raccous sound of Wrecker's laughter. 
Hunter sighed before knocking back the rest of his coffee as well. 
Crosshair got up, walking over to grab a cup. But he made no move to fill it as he casually whispered, "We've got company."
Saedii froze, fighting the feeling to turn and see who had come to spy on them. Hunter froze as well, though his head tilted towards the left, hearing something that Saedii couldn't.