Tawni Ames

Under the guise of a diplomatic envoy, Governor Grotton intends to take over the world of Desix in the name of the Empire. A staunch supporter of the new regime, Grotton finds the former Separatist stronghold resistant and himself a hostage of the existing government.

At the dawn of the Empire, many worlds remain unaffiliated with the new regime, subject to being assimilated one by one. Led by Governor Tawni Ames, the world of Desix is a rust-colored oasis with sprawling hills and sand, resistant to bowing before a new master.

At the time of their introduction, the Republic clone troopers represented the future of galactic warfare. Far superior to battle droids, the clone troopers formed the backbone of the Republic's new military that waged war against the forces of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. So symbolic were they of the times, the galaxy-wide conflict that saw their debut took its name from their ranks: the Clone Wars.

Rex once served the Republic on the frontlines during the Clone Wars, taking orders from Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano as first a captain and later a commander. He viewed military service as an honor, and his loyalty to the Republic and his Jedi Generals was absolute. But when Order 66 was executed, it was Ahsoka who helped to free Rex from the programming of his inhibitor chip. At the dawn of the Empire, Rex has escaped with his life but is considered killed-in-action in the eyes of the new regime. That allows him to operate in the shadows and help any clone brothers who remain separate from the Imperial ranks.

Cold, quick, and calculating, Crosshair was once a member of Clone Force 99. A no-nonsense warrior who detested working with "regs," or normal clones, Crosshair served as the Bad Batch's sniper. His sharp vision gives him superior accuracy and, as a result, an air of superiority. After Order 66, he was among the countless clone soldiers committed to the Empire. His ability to neutralize a target at tremendous distance using his customized 773 Firepuncher rifle made him an invaluable soldier to the Emperor and a threat to all those who failed to fall in line. But the Empire did not reward his loyalty, and Crosshair killed a superior officer. Now he is imprisoned at a secret base, the subject of clone experimentation.

They call themselves the Bad Batch. In the age of the Republic, the motley crew making up Clone Force 99 boasted an astounding 100 percent success rate and skills unseen in any other clone troopers. But with the end of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire, these soldiers have had to re-evaluate their place in the galaxy. Originally a four-member squad — Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Crosshair — the team has adapted over the years to welcome new clone members, including Echo and Omega. Those who remain continue to operate as a unit, using their unique talents to survive at a dangerous time.