Cid is a recurring character in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, a Trandoshan informant, fixer, and shady middleman who provides mercenary jobs for Clone Force 99. Operating from her bar on Ord Mantell, she plays a key role in the survival of the Bad Batch after their defection from the Empire. Though she is often morally ambiguous and driven by profit, Cid’s relationship with the Batch is complex, shifting between ally, employer, and reluctant friend.
A Mysterious Past and Underworld Ties
Cid’s background is largely shrouded in mystery, but it is clear that she has deep connections within the galaxy’s criminal underworld. Before the rise of the Empire, she worked as an informant for the Jedi, gathering intelligence and providing resources. However, with the fall of the Republic and the execution of Order 66, her Jedi contacts disappeared, leaving her to rely on her own wits and connections to survive in an increasingly dangerous galaxy. Unlike many crime bosses, Cid operates more as a broker of information and contracts, acting as a middleman rather than a direct enforcer.
First Encounter with the Bad Batch
After Clone Force 99 defected from the Empire, they struggled to find their place in a rapidly changing galaxy. With limited resources and on the run from the Empire, they were directed to Cid by Echo, who learned about her connection to the Jedi. When they arrived at her establishment, Cid was initially dismissive but quickly recognized their potential as skilled mercenaries. She offered them mercenary work in exchange for payment, providing them with a means to sustain themselves while remaining under the radar.
A Complicated Partnership
Cid’s relationship with the Bad Batch is built on business rather than loyalty. She frequently reminds them that she is running a business, not a charity, and expects them to complete jobs in exchange for compensation. Her assignments often involve morally gray tasks, from rescuing hostages to retrieving stolen goods for clients of questionable repute. Despite her tough exterior, Cid grows fond of Omega, the young clone traveling with the Bad Batch, and offers her guidance, treating her almost like a surrogate niece.
Tensions and Betrayals
While Cid proves useful in helping the Bad Batch survive, there are moments when her true loyalties come into question. She operates with a survivalist mindset, always looking out for herself first. This becomes evident when she begins working with other mercenaries and crime syndicates, sometimes withholding information from the Batch if it does not serve her interests. At one point, she is nearly forced out of her own establishment by Roland Durand, a crime lord seeking to expand his influence, only for Omega and the Batch to help her reclaim it.
Conflicts with the Empire and the Underworld
As the Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy, Cid faces increasing threats from Imperial forces and rival criminals. Her role as an informant and job broker puts her in a dangerous position, as both the Empire and crime syndicates see her as a potential asset—or a liability. While she manages to stay under the radar for much of the series, her association with the Bad Batch makes her a target, forcing her to navigate an increasingly hostile environment.
The Growing Divide with the Bad Batch
As the series progresses, tensions between Cid and the Bad Batch begin to surface. Hunter and the rest of the squad start questioning whether their reliance on her is sustainable, particularly as she continues to prioritize profits over their safety. This culminates in moments where the Batch must decide whether to remain under her employment or forge their own path. While Cid provides them with resources, they increasingly realize that she may not always have their best interests at heart.
A Surprising Sense of Loyalty
Despite her self-serving nature, Cid occasionally demonstrates a surprising sense of loyalty to the Bad Batch, particularly Omega. She offers the young clone guidance, teaching her how to play Dejarik (holo-chess) and encouraging her to develop her own skills. While she remains focused on business, her attachment to Omega suggests that she is not entirely heartless. This dynamic adds depth to her character, showing that beneath her tough exterior, she values the relationships she has formed.
Conclusion: Cid’s Role in a Changing Galaxy
Cid represents the kind of character who thrives in the shadows of galactic conflict—a survivor who understands the dangers of both the Republic and the Empire. While she is not a hero, she is also not a villain, operating in the gray areas of morality that define much of the criminal underworld. Her relationship with the Bad Batch remains a key part of the series, serving as both a source of stability and potential betrayal. Whether she ultimately remains an ally or turns on them, one thing is certain: Cid is a character who understands the rules of survival in a galaxy where trust is always conditional.