A/N: Part 2 is here lovelies! I hope you all enjoy, and as always feedback and reblogs are much appreciated! Let me know if you would like to be added to the taglist! Have a beautiful day!
Summary: You’re a dangerous wanted fugitive with a hefty price on your head who escaped your home planet from persecution and picked up the job of being a bounty hunter. To keep yourself away from the eyes of those after you, you were currently hiding out in a small planet mostly ran by outlaws and bandits, that is until another certain bounty hunter lands on your trail.
You had just left the cantina much quicker than you had wanted and your mind was racing with the thoughts of what had gone down just inside. Right when you had arrived on this planet in hopes of keeping low and staying away from the eyes of those who wanted your head, those thugs had managed to ruin your plans and exposed not only your presence but also what you were capable of, which caused your stay here to be at risk. You just hoped that your little fight didn’t reach anyone outside the cantina.
It was a hot day and the air was dry, and the aroma of spices, sweet fruits, and roasted nuts from the street vendors filled the air, perfect for the desert-like climate. You wished you could rip your helmet off, indulge in the exotic smells this market had to offer and enjoy some sunlight and breeze on your skin for once. But you had your regular getup on, or your bounty hunter uniform, as you like to call it. And though the pieces of armor provided you with secrecy and protection, adding some bulk to your frame to make yourself look more masculine to conceal your feminine features, it was also a bit of a cage, confining you from the natural perception of the world. The dusty wind blew against your frame when you had stepped out on the street, making you clutch your cloak closer to you and pray that the wind didn’t pick up on speed in fear of it snatching away the helmet and revealing your face for the whole town to see. You were making your way to the edge of the town where you had parked your ship on the outskirts, your boots kicking up the sand around you with each step you took while the hem of your cloak blew behind you. A few of the townsfolk had glanced in your direction, paying no mind before going back to their business. Their town always had outsiders crossing through to the point they had become accustomed to seeing a new face or a new helmet. And as long as you weren’t causing any trouble, they did not seem to pay much mind, if anything it was more curiosity towards the travelers.
You had been focused on the path in front of you, your back straight and your head held straight forward and avoiding any type of eye contact with anyone until this uneasy sense came that someone was following you. To avoid making it known, you stopped by the nearest vendor, glancing down at the fruit laid out on the table before ever so slightly turning your head to see a glint of metal shrouded just barely behind the mass of people that walked the streets. Your eyes widened behind your helmet. You could recognize that armor from anywhere. What was a Mandalorian doing all the way here? More importantly, why was he following you and who sent him?
You cursed under your breath at the sight, turning around and thinking of the different possible strategies. You couldn’t outrun him no, as much as you would like to avoid tangling with a Mandalorian you had heard so much about, you couldn’t just run away, he’d catch up with you somehow. No. You would have to fight him, at least keep him held back while you revised a new escape plan and disappeared into a new planet. You continued to mutter fowl words under your breath, your eyes darting around trying to search for an alleyway to disappear into. You finally caught sight of one just a couple feet away, gradually picking up your pace as you headed straight towards it, sensing the Mandalorian doing the same. Some muttering of the locals had erupted around you as you pushed past them before reaching the alley. With the sound of the sand crunching beneath the soles of your feet, you made a sharp turn right around the corner, pressing on the cloaking button on your belt that made your cloak camouflage with your surroundings. Your appearance shifted in a flurry of pixelated tones before matching the colors around you, allowing you to disappear into your background. You jumped up and grabbed the nearest ledge on the wall, using a window frame to hoist yourself up on it, pressing your back flat against the wall while your feet barely balanced on the beam.
The Mandalorian had turned the corner not long after before stopping abruptly at the emptiness of the area, the positioning of the buildings blocking some of the sun’s rays and casting a shadow over him. Your eyes caught the glint of his blaster held tightly in his hand as he edged closer with careful steps, staring out at the dead end of the alley. A small curse escaped under his breath through the helmet as he scanned over the area to figure where you might’ve gone. You followed the darkness of his visor right as it passed right over you, the action making your breath hitch in your throat. You knew your cloaking device made you invisible, but for a moment you swore you felt his helmet burning right through you. Your heart was pounding in your chest from what felt to be hours as he went further into the alley, looking out for any possible place you might be hiding. From how hard your heart was beating in your chest, you feared he would hear it as he passed by in front of you.
Oh come on. Now is no time to be a coward. Fry him. You thought with your eyes closed shut as you desperately struggled to grip the sandy wall behind you in order to keep yourself from falling over.
Carefully keeping your balance, you slipped your revolver blaster out of your holster, your palms sweating beneath the leather fabric that covered them as your fingers closed tightly around the grip, making sure to be as silent as possible as you pointed it at the back of his head. You could taste the salt on your lips from the few drops of sweat that fell down from your forehead as you lowered your aim to the small opening just below his helmet where the fabric of his cloak covered the back area of his neck. Just one shot. It would be simple. Just one shot and he would no longer be a problem for you to worry about.
No, this wasn’t right. You still had some dignity left in you and shooting a Mandalorian in the back would be a cowardly move. If anything, he deserved a fair fight. But despite that, deep down, a part of you was convinced to let him go free. He was a bounty hunter, doing his job just as you were. And from the stories you heard, sure he was merciless towards his enemies and an excellent fighter at that, but he never harmed those that were innocent.
With a clenched jaw, you slipped your blaster back in your holster. You didn’t have to heart to kill him. Damn your sentiment, it was the one thing that always kept you from achieving whatever it is you could want. Sure, you weren’t going to kill him, but you were willing to knock him out, maybe even tie him down somewhere and threaten him a little to get him to back off your trail. Taking in a deep and steady breath, you jumped off the ledge and tackled the Mandalorian from behind, knocking him down to the dirt before standing back up on your feet. Luckily, you managed to catch him off guard and from the way he reacted, you could tell he was trying to figure out what the hell had just happened as he scrambled back to his feet. You watched him hold his blaster straight out, twisting his body around and pointing it at every direction but you. If this situation wasn’t threatening on your safety, you would have found this to be quite amusing and your snicker would’ve gave you away and gotten you shot on the spot. You’d bet your credits he was confused as shit under that bucket.
You could just walk away and leave, get yourself a new disguise and he would never be able to find you. But a part of you deep down wanted to fight him, test his abilities even. A part of you even found this entertaining, an amusement that you had once been told would one day get you killed.
There was an uneasy silence amongst the bustle of the town, the breeze blowing through the crevices in the building in low whistles until you felt the heat of the sun’s rays against your back, lighting up the alleyway that was once in hidden in shadow.
Oh no.
Your skin went cold as you caught sight of the Mandalorian looking down at the sand, following his gaze to find your shadow on full display at your feet. Shit. You had forgotten that the cloak was only able to camouflage instead of wiping out your solid form and making you entirely invisible, thus making you susceptible to certain factors that gave you away, like light hitting against you or dust being thrown at you.
The Mandalorian stalled for a moment, processing what he was seeing before lifting his blaster and shooting straight at you. You had managed to jump out of the way just barely in time, but not soon enough as a sharp burning sensation cut through the side of your arm. You swung your fist at him, making sure to aim under his ribs and avoid his chestplate in order to hit soft tissue instead of solid Beskar. Your opponent let out a grunt in response much to your satisfaction, but it seemed as if luck was on his side as he grabbed your outstretched arm just in time before slamming you to the ground, knocking the wind out of you. You laid there on your back for a quick second, stunned and coughing from the twisting pain in your chest until a slight static sound caught your attention, looking down to see that your cloaking device was malfunctioning, leaving you entirely visible after a short series of pixelated glitches. Not only that, but the force in which he slammed you had managed to detach your chestplate, the piece of olive green painted metal now lying a few feet away from you, leaving you in just your tunic and the soft padded vest you had on top to separate the roughness of the metal from your clothes.
You muttered a small curse under your breath, pressing a firm hand to your torso as you tried to regain your breath, twisting your body around with a grunt in a struggle to get yourself up until a pair of brown leather boots placed themselves right beside your head. Turning your head towards the sky, you were met with his blaster pointed right at you, the dark hole of the barrel staring right into your soul
“I can bring you in warm, or I can bring you in cold.”
“How about neither.” You snarked, your voice coming out in a low tone through your helmet’s speaker before swiftly propping up on your elbows and twisting yourself against the dirt, kicking his legs out from underneath him and making him fall. You tried to get up but failed as you were once again met with the rough sand as he grabbed the fabric of your tunic and slammed you down on the ground again, pressing his forearm against your chest in order to get you to stay down. The latter action made you widen your eyes in horror. You didn’t have your chestplate on and now there was nothing to conceal the flesh there. You noticed that this had confused the Mandalorian as well from the way he sat back for a moment and tilted his head.
“What the-you’re a-” He breathed out before getting cut off by the bottom of your boot slamming into his head and knocking him back.
You took this chance as a means to escape, twisting yourself around and pushing yourself up with your hands until another pair of hands yanked at your ankles, causing you to fall face first into the dirt. “Ow! son of a-” A pained grunt escaped your lips and you almost could’ve sworn your nose had been broken from the sharp pain that spread through the center of your face. The Mandalorian pulled at your legs, dragging you across the dirt while you thrashed around, feeling his knee press down on your back. Another grunt escaped between your clenched teeth, your breaths coming out in aggravated huffs as you tried to break yourself from his hold once you felt his hands wrap around your wrists and pull your arms back behind you. There was the sound of a click and a small beep, and the skin left exposed on your wrists underneath your sleeves were met with the feeling of cold metal as a pair of handcuffs locked itself around them.
Great, just great.
You rolled your eyes from underneath your helmet as you felt him grab you by your bicep and pull you up to your feet.
“Let go of me!” You huffed as he pushed you, squirming around in his grip while he refused to let go of your arm after the resistance you put up. You noticed that your voice was no longer distorted into a lower tone, which meant that the fall had somehow damaged the distorter you had set up in there, now causing you to sound like your normal self. Could your day get any worse?
“Cut it out.” You heard him order from behind you.
A scowl appeared on your lips as his grip around your bicep tightened, your eyes drifting to the ground and spotting your chestplate laying on the side up ahead. “Can I at least get my chestplate?” You let out a huff as you were only met with silence. “Oh come on. It took me a while to make that you know. Besides, I’m kinda bare right now and I feel naked without it so I really need it. I don’t know if you noticed back there but-”
“Quiet.” He cut you off, causing your nostrils to flare until you noticed him pick your chest armor off the ground, the slight action making a small smirk appear on your lips despite being handcuffed and taken in for your bounty. Of course, you weren’t to going to accept defeat that quick. You had to devise an escape plan quick and wait for the right opportune moment. Though now wasn’t it.
The watchful eyes of the locals were now trained on the shiny armor of your captor, their eyes following the two of you curiously as you went, the Mandalorian and his freshly caught bounty. You were glad you wore a helmet, relieved they couldn’t see the look of embarrassment written across your features.
It wasn’t long before you arrived at a vessel that was parked on the outskirts of town, what seemed to be most likely his ship.
“Wow. What a piece of junk.” You made a snide comment, looking up at the big junk of metal as he as opened the entrance to his ship before shoving you inside, causing you to glare at him through the visor of your helmet. “Hey, don’t manhandle me alright.”
“Keep moving.” You felt him push you forward with his hand on your back.
You took in your new surroundings, glancing around at the dullness of the interior with a distasteful look on your face. “Yikes. You could use some major redecorating, liven the place up a bit. No wonder you’re so grim.”
Silence.
“My point exactly.” You muttered under your breath.
“Sit down.” You felt him place his hand on your shoulder to try to push you down on the chair in his cockpit but you refused to budge.
“Can I at least put my armor back on?”
The Mandalorian stood quiet for a moment and you could almost feel him glaring at you through the slit in his helmet before turning you around and shoving you against the wall with your back facing him.
“Easy there will ya.” You hissed as he fumbled with the lock on the handcuffs. “Geez, is this how you treat all the ladies you bring in here?” A short second later, you felt the handcuffs around your wrist loosen up with a click after the sound of the beep went off.
“Any sudden moves and I shoot.” You heard him say beside your ear before stepping back
“Alright.” You lifted your hands up to your head, slowly turning around to see him standing a few feet away from you with his blaster pointed at you. “No need to be hasty, I’m just going to strap on my armor and that’s it.” You grabbed your chestplate that had been lying on the back of the chair before slinging the leather straps over your shoulder and fastening them, making sure that the metal covered the areas that needed protection. “Before you uh, handcuff me back up, would you mind letting me keep my arms in front of me. It’s kinda you know, uncomfortable having your hands tied behind you while you’re sitting in a chair.
There was another moment of silence, the lack of reply from the Mandalorian causing you to unconsciously shift on your feet before he finally stepped up to you and handcuffed your arms in front of you.
"Thank you for your consideration.” You smiled sarcastically even though he could not see a single inch of your expression.
“Sit down.” He directed in a monotone voice with his blaster still pointed at you, to which you plopped down on the seat in exaggeration.
You let out a scoff and a roll of your eyes as the Mandalorian lowered himself to the ground to tie your ankles to the bottom of the chair so you wouldn’t try to pull anything else. “You distrust me that much huh. Fair enough.” You leaned back in your set, twisting your body around and adjusting to make yourself comfortable as you watched him go over to his seat and start up the aircraft before taking off. You sniffled through the stuffiness in your nose, scrunching up your face from the smell of the blood that had dried up inside. Well it didn’t feel broken, and you have had broken noses before, though your body ached from your fight with the Mandalorian and the quarrel you had with the previous bounty you were after who just happened to be 8 feet tall and full of muscle. Let’s just say you didn’t like being tossed around like you were some stuffed animal. You were positive you had formed new bruises and reopened up the wounds you had just stitched earlier today from the way that some areas felt sore and tender.
“So uh….” You tried to make conversation while looking around for anything that just might help you break free and escape. You had to find a way out, one way or another, and it didn’t help that you were leaving the planet and your own ship behind. “Where we heading?” No answer. “You know, I’d like to know where I’m being sent and just who it is I am being sent off to.” Still no answer. Maybe, just maybe, if you annoyed him enough he might give up and set you free, that trick had worked once a long time ago. But sweet talking would definitely not work on him. “That’s some uh, pretty neat armor you got there. What is it, Beskar? So like how many hours do you spend polishing it?……………………….Okaayyyy then. I see you’re not much of a talker.” You nodded your head awkwardly before looking around again, edging a bit off your seat to get a better look at things.
“Quit moving around back there.”
“Oh. So you do talk, not much I presume. But you talk. I mean, you’ve gotta have said more than a few words in your lifetime, otherwise……….my goodness. Oh and by the way, you kinda messed up my gear, my voice distorter and my cloaking device are broken because of you and I believe I should receive some kind of compensation.” Ah yes more silence. You hated him already. I mean, you respected him, you’ll give him that. You just hated being with him, tied down to a chair with nothing but the sound of the aircraft and your own voice. A part of you even prayed that you would reach your destination quicker just so that you would not have to be stuck with him for who knows how long. And the fact that he wasn’t budging was pissing you off. There was one last thing you could do, one last trick. “Well then! If you don’t mind, I’d like to liven up this extremely dreadful atmosphere by singing some tunes. Maybe it’ll…..I don’t know……lift your spirits.” You cleared your throat before singing a tune you had once heard, making sure to be as exaggerated as possible.
“Aruba, Jamaica, oh I want to take you to Bermuda, Bahama, come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego, baby why don’t we go Oh I want to take you down to Kokomo, we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow That’s where we want to go, way down in Kokomo……………
Tell everybody, I’m on my way! New friends and new places to see! With blue skies ahead, yes I’m on my way! And there’s nowhere else that I’d rather be!!!” You belted out before stopping at the sudden feeling of something touching your leg. “AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!” You jumped in your seat, your scream even startling the Mandalorian himself. “Yo! What the-” You looked down at your feet with a pale face to see what had grabbed you and being met with a pair of big brown eyes staring up at you, eyes belonging to a small green child with large pointy ears that reminded you of someone you once knew long before. “Oh. Hello there.”
“Grogu?” You heard the Mandalorian speak before turning his head around to face the small child that stood by your feet. “What are you doing there? Stay away from her. Go back to bed.”
The child tiled his head and let out a small blabber, his tiny fingers clutching around the fabric of your pants.
“He uh……he likes my singing.” You muttered out in sheer disbelief of there being a youngling aboard the ship, and not just any youngling. Something about him felt different, but you couldn’t quite figure it out.
“He what?” The Mandalorian now looked up to you. “You……understand him?”
“………Kind of?”
“Grogu. She’s dangerous. Go back to bed okay?”
The small child lowered his head in disappointment before waddling off as you watched him go with a softened and thoughtful look in your eyes. You tried to remember where you had seen him, if you had anyways. He reminded you so much of a mentor you once had, and you were saddened by the thought.
“What is he doing here?” You questioned before turning to stare at the back of the Mandalorian’s helmet, your reflection only staring back at you. “What purpose do you have with a youngling?” You leaned back in your seat when he provided no answer, the frown on your lips only deepening as you stared out at the stars that blanketed all around from the view outside the window. You had to find out why he had the child with him, whether it was for a bounty or whether he was just under his care, you did not know. And when you do, once you found an escape, you’d take him with you.
A/N: I was working on this story a long time ago and thought I’d start on it again. Hope y’all enjoy! Reblogs and feedback are much appreciated and let me know if you would like to be added to the tag list.
Summary: You’re a dangerous wanted fugitive with a hefty price on your head who escaped your home planet from persecution and picked up the job of being a bounty hunter. To keep yourself away from the eyes of those after you, you were currently hiding out in a small planet mostly ran by outlaws and bandits, that is until another certain bounty hunter lands on your trail.
You were always the lone wolf, a ranger who wandered planets, a person without a destination. Your occupation was your own, you worked for yourself and no one else, and you preferred it that way. Due to your line of work, you lived plentiful off of bounties and even some quests that were offered to you. But most of it came from assassinations, which was one thing you never admitted to being proud of. You were an excellent marksman, if not one of the best, but your morals meant more than the money and caused you to be very selective over what hits you were willing to take, choosing to only go after the truly guilty ones. Because of this, you refused to be part of the Guild and turned down many requests in the past offering a great sum of money. You weren’t exactly very popular with the Guild since they considered you to be an undisciplined rogue who ignored the rules and had no right doing what you did, so you stayed on the low and made an effort to avoid running into any of their members.
Due to your distant past, you’ve felt that being invisible was better than being seen. Which is another reason why you did what you did and avoided as much interactions as possible. Knowing people and forming relationships was just a way to tie you down and keep you in a cage, an obligation and somewhat a burden. Acquaintances were fine but heavens forbid that formed into an actual relationship. People have expectations and you wanted none of it, not again at least. Not to mention you were severely betrayed by people you were supposed to trust. If there was another thing you were known for, it was for being a charmer, you knew just what words and tone to use to get yourself out of any situation. But you were also known for your ruthlessness. And if the time came where words did not work, your blasters did most of the talking. But ever since being on the run and escaping the planet you once called home, your life drastically changed and it had never been the same since.
You were sitting by yourself at a local cantina, at a table in the farthest and darkest corner of the tasteless place, away from the rest of its occupants. You had just finished tackling a bounty and it wasn’t an easy one, the bastard had left a few bruises and scrapes so you felt like winding down. Thankfully, you were lucky enough to come at a time where the place wasn’t so rowdy and filled with egotistical idiots making a mess and fighting each other for petty and immature reasons.
You had your head propped up lazily by your gloved hand as you stared down at your glass of liquor, swirling it around and watching the ice mix with the contents and clinking every time it hit the edge. You were starting to wonder why you even came here in the first place. You weren’t much of a drinker and you never liked the bitter taste but something about it made you always reach for a glass. In all honesty, you were just ready to go back to your ship and pass out on your bed. One thing was for certain and it was the fact that you were bored and exhausted beyond your mind. You tried to focus on the cantina music in the background, hoping it would help keep you awake while forcing to keep your eyes open. But the warmth of the cantina and your cloak that was draped around your shoulders, falling over your arms and torso to provide extra comfort, was not helping.
You rarely ever let your guard down like this and this was not a good thing. The place was already sketchy as it was with all the bandits and thugs that would come through.
A group of footsteps were heard approaching your table, each one in a different tempo than the rest, the sound making you snap yourself back into a conscious state. You straightened up against the leather seat once you caught sight of a thug walking up to you, followed by his pathetic little gang of 4.
Ugh, what now? You thought to yourself, rolling your eyes behind your helmet.
You watched carefully for a moment as one of his men made an unwanted advance towards one of the waitresses, grabbing her bottom and turning her around to try and force a kiss on her. The waitress shrieked at the act and squirmed in his grip, pushing away at his chest to escape. The thug laughed at her before loosening his grip, his reptile-like eyes following her as she freed herself from him with tears in her eyes, humiliated, before rushing off to the side in fear where the other workers were.
Why that little shit. You just got to this planet and you already had to deal with assholes.
The leader stopped at the edge of your table, glaring at you while his goons surrounded your booth, blocking off all forms of an exit. Slyly, you slipped your hand down underneath the table, gripping your blaster that sat at your hip with your finger hovering over the trigger, ready for any sign of attack.
“You’re in my seat.” The leader grunted at you with his burly arms crossed across his chest, a scowl on his face as he bared his yellowed, troll like teeth against his grimy scaley green skin.
During this exact moment, you thanked the maker you were wearing a mask so you wouldn’t have to smell the rancid stench coming off from him. The last thing you wanted was to puke in your own helmet. Who knows who long it had been since the asshole and his goons had bathed.
“Really?” You snarked, your voice distorted through your modulator to make you sound like a man, your voice low and gruff. You adjusted your cape so that it was not covering your arms anymore as you leaned back in the leather cushion, putting your free arm up on the back of the seat while kicking your feet up on the table. “I don’t see your name on it.”
The thug eyed your boots, his eye twitching as he watched the caked up dirt from your soles fall onto the table, the small action infuriating him even more. You were slightly amused at his reaction despite being irritated that he had disturbed your space. Who knew dirt on a table would so much as upset someone that probably hadn’t bathed in moons.
“Listen here you little brat.” The man slammed his clawed hands down on the table, causing everyone in the cantina to look over to see what was causing all the ruckus. “Move, or else I’ll break every little bone in your bounty hunter body before picking my teeth with it.”
His goons laughed at the statement, their laughs echoed against the stilled silence of the cantina as they enjoyed the opportunity to bully yet another person around, reveling in the moment and obviously getting off on this sort of attention. The ring leader stared you down with a smug smirk on his face, thinking he scared you shitless and that you might succumb to this sort of threat.
“………..no.” You let out, your voice matching the same stoicism in the details of your helmet.
The goons’ laughter died down from hearing your answer, each of them intently watching their boss’s face contort into anger and anticipating what his next move will be.
“That’s it!” The leader growled between gritted teeth before lunging out at you.
Swiftly, you grabbed his bulky arm with your left hand, twisting it to a certain angle and breaking his elbow, the move making him let out a pained scream. With your right hand you grabbed your blaster and shot him in the head in a quick blast of orange before tossing him to the floor. You glanced over to see that one of the goons had pulled out his blaster and blasted him before he could even pull the trigger at you. After watching their members fall down dead, the rest of the gang tried to charge you, their eyes flared and their teeth gritted in rage. You kicked the table over, making them back up while you jumped over it. One of the goons tried to grab you so you kneed him in the groin before grabbing his head and snapping it. You shot another one and while the last remaining one tried to run away you used your free hand to pull out your knife from your thigh strap and throw it at him, lodging it right in his knee and making him fall to the floor.
All eyes of the local civilians in the cantina were glued to you as you stepped over the bodies, casually walking over to the goon you threw your knife at. You stood there and tilted your head at him, recognizing him as the one who assaulted the woman while you watched him crawling on the ground, leaving a trail of blood on the floor from his wound as he went, unaware of your presence.
Pathetic.
A sigh escaped your lips as you crouched down next to him to grab his attention. The man took one look at you being so close and gasped in fear before struggling to move faster.
You wrapped your fingers around the hilt of your knife, twisting it in the flesh of his knee before yanking it out. The goon screamed at your action before his limbs finally gave away, laying there, trembling in pain.
No one dared to interfere you now. Not when you had taken out 4, soon to be 5 men twice your size.
“You shouldn’t have done that to the poor woman.” You spoke, now you were the one looking down at him.
The man turned to look at you, laughing while he did it and flashed his blood stained teeth. He glared up at you with a disgusting grin that made your stomach turn. “Aye, and I enjoyed every second of it.”
Your blood boiled at his remark, your knuckles turning white underneath your glove from gripping your blade.
How dare he.
He laughed again, knowing he got under your skin from the way you clenched your weapon and started breathing. The air around you at the moment was visibly tense as everyone lingered quietly in their seats, waiting to see what you would do next. You’ve had enough of him.
The man let out a hiss as you grabbed a fistful of his hair between your gloved fingers, lifting his head up so you could speak to him in his ear.
“And now you’ll die for it.” You whispered through clenched teeth before shoving your knife in his head.
Taking your knife back out of his skull, you wiped the blood off on his clothes before sticking it back in your strap while standing back up.
The occupants of the cantina looked away and returned to their food and conversations, not wanting to meet the visor of your helmet as if you could shoot lasers through it. They thought that the simple act of even looking in the direction of this strange outsider would be considered an offense after the way you took care of the local gang. Some of them even had disgust written on their faces from the way you handled the thugs while others had a faint hint of a smile that exhibited their relief.
You walked over to the owner of the cantina who stood behind the counter, his eyes glued to the glass he was wiping in his hands.
“You uh, you handled yourself pretty well over there.” The old man laughed uneasily, not seeming to meet your eyes as if he were afraid to offend you while he followed your movements, wondering what in the worlds you were about to do.
You didn’t respond to the statement as you fished into the pocket of your pants, pulling out some credits from the small suede pouch you had and placing them in front of him.
The owner looked at the credits laid out on the table for him, obviously confused from the way his brows knit together before looking up at you.
“But, but you already paid for your drink.”
“I know. It’s for the mess I made.” You gestured to the dead bodies that were still spread out on the ground.
The owner followed your gesture before looking back up you, relief painting his features once he realized you meant no harm. “Oh. But please sir, it’s not necessary. In fact, I should be the one thanking you. Ever since that gang showed up here in our small town, it’s been near chaos. Please, keep your credits. In fact…”
You watched him with a raised brow as he grabbed a pouch from his pocket and tried to hand you some credits. “Take this as well.”
You eyed the credits in his outstretched palm, pursing your lips before letting out a sigh. “I can’t take this. You didn’t hire me.”
“Please sir, take it. As a token of our gratitude. You saved our little town that I’m afraid no one cares about.”
“Yeah well you need it more than me.” You expressed. “I only accept credits for jobs I am hired to do.”
You kept your own pouch in your hand, nodding a farewell at the old man before making your way over to the waitress who was assaulted. You saw her hiding away in a corner, her small frame held in the arms of her friend as tears ran down her cheeks while her coworkers tried to comfort her.
The workers glanced up at you standing nearby before moving away, allowing you to approach closer. You stood there carefully, looking down at her fragile frame and gently placing a hand on her shoulder. The poor woman jerked in reaction before looking up you, her teary eyed filled with confusion.
“It’s okay.” You tried to say softly, hoping it would come out sounding compassionate but your helmet didn’t help much with how you conveyed your tone. Instead, your voice came out sounding less loud. “It’s alright.”
The young woman looked behind you, her eyes glancing at her attacker that was now dead before looking up at you with a weak smile. “Thank you.” She sniffled as she wiped her nose with a handkerchief. “Thank you for getting rid of them.”
“Here.” You held your hand out to her and placed some of your credits in her palm. “Take this. Buy yourself something, food or anything. Preferably something to protect yourself with…..and uh…..learn how to use it.”
The woman stood there in shock, staring down at the credits that now sat on the blue skin of her palm. She cracked a small smile, holding back more tears. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Keep your chin up.” You muttered, pressing your fingers delicately under her chin before she caught you by surprise by wrapping her arms around your torso. Your body tensed up at her reaction as you stood there, not really knowing how to react before giving her an awkward pat on the back. She pulled away from the hug and smiled timidly at you, her cheeks tinted as she placed a tender kiss to the side of your helmet. The action made you widen your eyes, feeling your cheeks heat up inside your helmet to the point where you swore they would melt through the metal.
You shook off the feeling and the nerves, nodding at her and saying a polite goodbye before walking out of the cantina, ready to go back to your ship and wash the sweat off your face and escape the presence of everyone. Due to your quick haste to get out, you failed to notice a shadow, a silhouette of a person hidden behind a suit of armor that sat at the back of the cantina tucked away in the other corner. Nor did you catch the glint of the metal helmet that sat on his head, of the Mandalorian that had been watching your every move ever since you stepped foot into the building.
Summary: After years of hiding, Din finds his girlfriend on a planet with a child.
Warning: Fluff, Angst
Word Count: 1.8k
a/n:. Requests are open.
Three suns ruled over the land and the clouds in the hues of murky waters had travelled away. Tall trees protected the inconspicuous cottage of light stone. Smoke rose from the chimney, letting the inhabitants of the village know that someone lived in the nondescript building on the outskirts in the far south by the lake of hundreds of waterlilies.
Flowers of various colours grew out of the dark soil, bordered by a holey fence in light tones. The woman, dressed in the long dress in light shades, looked through the tinted window flanked by long curtains and witnessed her daughter sitting under the lonely tree playing with her dolls of straw next to the sandpit. The cake Y/N had baked was on a plate on the round table with two identically looking chairs of wood.
Smiling, the young mother strolled through the kitchen towards the open door leading into the house and leaned against the frame, unable to take her eyes off of her daughter playing in the shade of the tree. Her heart ached, realising her little sunflower had grown fast. She didn’t have to count, had placed six candles on the cake of fresh strawberries and slices of apples. Y/N pushed herself off the wood and stepped into the light of the fading suns.
“Hey my little sunflower.” Y/N breathed.
Laughing, she halted in front of her daughter, playing with the three dolls. The dark brown eyes immediately settled on Y/N and again a dagger pierced through her aching heart, felt how it broke each year a little more. Guilt dripped from her parted lips, but Y/N knew she had done the right thing. No child should be raised in a spaceship, and Y/N knew they would have taken her daughter away the moment she was born. A veil of sadness rested over her features. Tears tried to block her view of her child, but Y/N was proud she had escaped before anyone could find out she was carrying the creation of deep love.
The memories of the early morning when she had disappeared returned and Y/N remembered the moment as if it had happened yesterday. In great haste she had fled, was heading for a planet far away from war, from ships, destruction and hunters trying to kill them all. Sometimes when darkness ruled with iron fist over the fields, Y/N wondered if she had made the right decision, but whenever Y/N looked out the window and saw her daughter playing in the garden with an unmistakable smile on her face, Y/N knew she had done the right thing.
“Mama, don’t cry,” Eloise breathed, thought she understood the sadness in her mother’s gaze.
Gently, the young girl placed her hands on her mother’s cheeks and brushed the hot tears away.
“I don’t mind that you gave me a doll as a present and the cake you baked and the dress you made is wonderful, I’ll show it to my friends’, they’ll surely want you to make them one too.” laughed the girl, wanting to cheer her mother up, thinking she knew the reason for the falling tears.
“I’m not crying because of you, my sunflower. I’m fine. The suns are blinding.” Y/N tried to talk herself out of it, but she couldn’t, couldn’t fool her daughter.
“Come here mum, I don’t mind and I want to eat the cake tonight and later I will read the book and I heard the stars will be out today so we can stay out here in the garden.”, “That’s a beautiful idea and I’m already looking forward to it.” replied Y/N.
The girl with the long dark brown hair rose from the meadow and let go of the dolls reflecting a small perfect family, Y/N couldn’t give her. Spreading her arms, Y/N immediately understood what her daughter desired and embraced the dark-eyed girl, hugging her tightly and pressing her firmly to her chest.
“Mummy?” the girl breathed into her mother’s ear.
Fear was evident in her troubled voice.
“Is everything alright?”, “I’m scared, mum, there’s a strange-looking man. He is looking at me and you.” Eloise stammered.
Suddenly Y/N´s eyes widened. Swiftly she turned and then gulped. The suns were no longer blinding, clouded by a dense layer of wandering clouds yet she shielded her eyes with her right hand, thought her eyes were fooling her. Y/N would recognise him clad in heavy armour among billions. Her heart stopped beating. The cloak was long, swayed back and forth in the rising breeze. Y/N’s fingers clawed into the flowing material of the dress of her daughter, forcing her to stay behind her, trying to protect her with her body, would protect her with her life.
“Don’t be afraid my sunflower, stay behind me.” Y/N demanded in a stern tone.
Y/N knew there was no point in leaving, to run away.
“Who is that man?” “You don’t have to fear; I will protect you and if he gets too close, then hide in the house. Run away and don’t come out.” Y/N instructed calmly.
“And what about you?”, “Didn’t you hear me?” she said sternly, and Eloise nodded.
His breathing was heavy, recognised the woman he still loved from the depths of his heart. How many years he had spent with searching for Y/N, Din no longer remembered but knew it had to be many, more than five. Anger spread through his chest. Under his mask, he grimaced, had noticed the girl, knew the woman, his wife had found a lover, a new man.
“How can I help you?” Y/N asked unsure what to say.
Y/N tried to be emotionless, didn’t want to show fear and agony, knew she had to be strong but her lower lip betrayed her.
“Why did you leave me?” it escaped him.
Warmth spread through her heart. The last time she had heard his was a long time ago, so long, seeming for forever. The words were harsh and dripping with venom yet there was love lurking in the shadows. Din didn’t want to waste a second with asking useless questions, needed answers as fast as possible.
“I’m sorry.”, “You’re sorry?” he cried.
Y/N flinched, feeling her daughter’s fingers digging harder into the flowing dress.
“I had to Din, I couldn’t stay. I had to leave everything behind.” Y/N tried to reassure him.
“Because of who? How could you do this to me? I love you.”, “You betrayed me!” he screamed from the deepest recesses of his soul.
Sadness was evident in his breaking voice. Threateningly he approached her but Y/N did not flinch, making herself taller, knowing Din had noticed the girl. His senses were clouded and eyes dilated. Darkness rooted in them, dark and dooming. Words dripping with hate, an enchanted potion escaped, but Y/N felt no hate nor fear, had fallen in love with the dark eye’s moons ago, knew he would never hurt her.
“I have wasted years of my life looking for you! I’ve destroyed ships and planets just for you, to find out that you live on a lonely planet and you’ve found a new man. I thought you died.” hatred oozed from his voice.
“I didn’t cheat on you Din. I would never do something like that. Please believe me, I love you, I have always loved you.” Y/N said.
She felt fingers digging into the long dress but suddenly the touch disappeared. Eyes met on a battlefield, he made it impossible to look away. Tears tried to cloud her vision.
“Get away from my mama!” echoed a shaking yet firm voice.
Fists collided with the steel of the armour in dark hues. Small hands tried to push him away, and the man allowed it, looked down and suddenly he saw clearly. The story became clearer.
“Eloise.” she breathed her daughter’s name.
A mask covered his face, but Y/N thought she could see the confusion in the eyes settling on the girl who stood protectively before her mother, arms wide, forbidding him to come closer. Tears adorned her face and her cheeks were painted in a light red tone. Firmly Y/N pressed her daughter tightly against her, hugging and breathing loving words into her ear.
“Everything is all right. You don’t have to be afraid of him. He’s actually a nice man.” Y/N whispered in her ear, reaping the words over and over again.
Dirt covered his dark trousers. His hands slid to the helmet and dropped it to the ground. He couldn’t believe his eyes, thought his helmet made him see other things, but he saw the colour of his eyes, saw the tone of his hair and his tan skin. Closely Din studied the crying girl in the arms of the woman he loved. The next breeze carried away the veil of hate and anger. Din recognised the eyes and noticed Eloise had his nose and hair. A soft smile spread on his lips, found the answer why Y/N had disappeared and realised he was a fool for believing she had left him for another man. His thoughts humoured him. Hesitantly, Din took one step and gathered courage. Pride filled his chest. With long steps, he slowly went towards them, not wanting to frighten the little girl, and dropped to his knees three steps away from them.
“I’m sorry,” Y/N whispered, lifting her gaze.
She knew there was no point in hiding the truth behind a layer of twisted tales.
“No, I’m sorry,” Din spoke out.
Love was the only emotion Y/N could see in his eyes. He took off the gloves covering his fingers and let them fall to the ground next to him. The sand was rising with the dust. Slowly Din crawled and halted again as the gazes met and smelled the faint smell of spring lingering in the air. Carefully, his right hand approached her face, wanting to remove the tears he had summoned.
“No, Eloise, you don’t have to be afraid of him. He won’t hurt me.” Y/N said in a loving yet stern.
The little girl listened and nodded, wanted to rise and protect her mother from the touch of the stranger.
“I had to go. I had to leave. Please forgive me.”, “I understand, but I would never have left you alone. The two of you. You should have told me. I would have fled with you if you had told me or I would have made sure they wouldn’t take our child away.” the Mandalorian breathed.
The question didn’t need to escape, had found the answer in her eyes. Smiling, Din faced the young girl, reached out and his heart quickened as his daughter placed her small hand, miniature compared to his, in his palm and Din knew he had found his home.
It had been almost a year to the day since you had last laid eyes on Din Djarin and not a single day had gone by where you didn’t think of him.
For the most part you were left with the last memory you had of him - the pain that seeped through his words after you had all but questioned why he had helped you before he stormed off your ship never to be seen again. When you finally found the energy to make your way to the cockpit - around an hour after you had silently watched the Crest crash through the tops of the trees and bolt into hyperspace - you flew back to the Covert, truly believing that Din would already be there.
You fought off the unnerving feeling in the pit of your stomach as you brought your ship in to land with no sight of the Crest below, convincing yourself that Din needed to blow off some steam and had gone on another bounty. When you walked through the tunnels towards your room you never thought he would be gone longer than a few days, a week at most, and that this was just another argument that had gone too far and would be resolved by an apology before you went back to your usual teasing and taunting.
But then a week passed, and another, before it was coming up for a month and you began to panic. You had gathered your weapons and spent the following weeks searching every corner of the galaxy for a rogue Mandalorian, asking everyone if he had been seen or heard. It didn’t take long before you were begged by your parents and Adrean, the Armorer, and even your own heart that was growing exhausted from how desperately you had been searching for him, to stop.
When you returned to the Covert, empty handed and broken hearted, you threw yourself into bounty hunting and were only returning to the Covert to sleep and eat between bounties in the hope that you would have no time to think of Din… but that never worked.
Most of the time your mind went to the memory of watching him storm off your ship, his helmet refusing to turn back no matter how many times you shouted after him. Every time you thought of this moment you played out what would have happened if it had gone differently - if you had thanked him and asked him to stay with you until you had enough energy to fly home. You would have sat by side, a comfortable silence covering you both - perhaps some pleasant teasing rather the kind that left you feeling empty - and you would share out your energy bars until wishing each other a safe journey home before your ships landed side by side back on Nevarro.
Times you weren’t stuck replaying, or reimagining, this moment were filled with emotions just as painful as regret: anguish at the thought that perhaps something had gone wrong and his body was abandoned on a planet somewhere; grief at the thought of never seeing him again; and anger whenever you were having a particularly low day and let the thought pass through your mind that Din had just… ran.
Today when you looked in the mirror you no longer recognised the reflection, a once strong and powerful Mandalorian reduced to a shell of her former self after forcing your body to work to exhaustion each day in hope of going five minutes without being tormented by thoughts of him.
Even if you could go a day with your mind too distracted by a bounty to think of him - which was rare - every night when you went to sleep he was there waiting for you. Some nights you dreamt of the both of you living side by side in the Covert, sitting beside one another with pinkies brushing by each other as the Armorer spoke out to the crowd before you were both placed on armory duty together and you would silently clean the weapons, stolen glances shared. Other nights you dreamt of his first night in the Covert, the memory of sadness that had given way to a soft smile for a moment as you waved over your Father’s shoulder at him. There had even been a few dreams where you were with him free of your helmets, an image drawn up of what he could look like now - the same dark brown eyes he had as an ade and messy, dark hair with a smirk that never left his face. It didn’t matter what you dreamt of - happy or sad, simple or complex - you woke each morning in bed by yourself, a second of peace passing where you forgot that Din wasn’t here before it hit you and you had to drag your body from bed.
Last night’s dream had been a memory, a time you were injured in training and placed on armory duty until you were better. Din’s armory duty just so happened to coincide with yours for the next few weeks, your bodies that were still growing into their armor standing side by side in silence every evening for three weeks.
It was the knowledge that you wouldn’t have any more memories that made it so hard to get up from bed; that, and your aching limbs from returning after midnight after dropping your latest bounty off at the Cantina. You knew your parents and Adrean would try to dissuade you from going out again today and so you quickly washed, sneaking back out through the tunnels towards the Cantina with the sun already so high in the sky.
It was too late in the day for a decent bounty and the only ones that would be left now really wouldn’t be worth the hassle but hopefully enough to take you off planet for a few days including travel to some backwater planet.
You could feel Karga’s gaze on you from the second you stepped into the Cantina, his eyes following you carefully as you tried not to limp too much from the pain in your side after yesterday’s bounty had thrown one hell of a punch against you. You bit down on your bottom lip to stifle the pained groan as you slipped into the booth across from him, his hand hesitantly reaching for a puck.
“When was the last time you slept?”
You didn’t answer, your hands resting on your thigh and your helmet tilting back to rest against the booth as he stared into your visor. Some days Karga played this game, concern etched into his words before he finally gave in and handed you the puck. Other days he didn’t bring the subject up at all, his eyes avoiding the shawdy patched up armor that covered your body after a particularly nasty run in with a bounty.
Today was apparently the former and you stared back at him until he spoke again.
“I heard you dropped off a bounty this morning before I got here… and you’re already back for another?”
“And?”
Your word hung in the air, Karga raising an eyebrow across at you as he made a point to let his eyes drag down the armor covered in a ridiculous number of dents and scratches. With your mind almost always elsewhere - stranded wherever Din was - you had grown careless and had more close calls in the last year than ever before.
Sometimes you could convince yourself that Karga was doing this because he cared - he questioned your suitability to be taking another bounty because it could always be your last - but other days when you were particularly moody you took it as an act; he had already lost his top bounty hunter and now he could only watch as he was close to losing his second to carelessness.
Eventually Karga relented, sighing and pushing the puck the rest of the way across the table and into your hand. Your palm settled over it, scratching it along towards the edge of the table as you stood up. When you looked back down Karga was shaking his head and your hands were fidgeting with your rifle strap as you fought whether or not to ask the question that was on the tip of your tongue.
“Have you-” you cleared your throat, tapping the puck nervously on the edge of the table. “Have you heard anything?”
It had been weeks since you last asked. You knew that other than you, Karga was the next person who would have heard news of Din being back in the bounty hunting game. At first you would ask Karga on every visit but as disappointment gave way to embarrassment each time you asked you did so less and less, only bringing it up every so often.
Karga looked back at you, shaking his head with a sympathetic look in his eyes. You nodded once, turning back to the door before he could speak.
“Sorry, Kid,” he said and you shrugged, already heading for the exit before he could say any more.
The second you were on the ship you set course for Vandor - the last planet the bounty had been spotted on - before staring out of the window for the whole flight there. You didn’t even take your helmet off, the hard beskar resting back against the soft headrest as your mind was lost in the lights of time and space that whizzed by until your ship zoomed out of hyperspace and you took over the controls while bringing her in to land.
Vandor was a cold planet, even more so at this time of the cycle when the snow was starting to freeze over, and by the time you jumped down from the cockpit the cold air was already seeping through the scruffy metal of your ship. After opening and closing almost every drawer you finally found an old cloak, tying it around your neck and letting it hang over your shoulders to drape down to your calves. The hood and rim was lined with fur, stopping any heat from escaping beneath your helmet as you stepped off your ship and buried deeper into the thick material as you walked through the small forest at the edge of the city.
This part of bounty hunting had always been monotonous work but it kept your mind busy; asking for information on the bounty until you were finally led to the dark corners of the city. You had almost done a full circle, ending not far from where you had first entered the city through the thick rows of trees and as you climbed the steps towards the flashing sigh of the club you shook the snow off your boots and hood.
The doorman stood bored with his arms crossed until you pulled out enough credits for him to step aside, opening the door and letting the thumping music spill out. You dimmed the volume on your helmet as you stepped in, avoiding the busiest part of the club where the lights were flashing wildly and the dancefloor was full as you walked along the wall until finding a table at the back.
“A drink?”
You looked up from where you had been brushing the snowflakes from your cloak to two bar staff, dressed in very little and leaning across the booth.
“No,” you answered gruffly, adding a quiet “thank you,” before they walked away.
As you continued to keep your guard up and scan around the room, you couldn’t help the swirling in the bottom of your stomach. You were well past the days of bounty hunting making you nervous, the only real effect it had on your body any more being the spikes of adrenaline that made your body shake and heart race as you came down once you were safely back in the cockpit, so you weren’t sure what was causing it now.
Never one to ignore your instincts, you kept your fingers within reach of your blaster; your years upon years of training meaning you could have it out of the holster, aimed and fired within a heartbeat.
You sat at the table for a while longer, a few more people coming up to try their hand and buy you a drink or attempt to convince you to ditch the helmet and meet them in the bathroom, and just when you were about to give up hope the tracker began to buzz against your belt.
You didn’t lift it, not wanting the red flashing to draw any attention, and so you let it be as you scanned across the club for the bounty you had seen on the puck. Eventually your eyes landed on him, standing at the bar relaxed and unaware of your hunter eyes trained on him as he ordered another drink and let his head bob to the music.
It was always almost amusing to you how, despite having a bounty on their head worth a decent amount of credits, the bounties always seemed to go about living life without concern that anyone could be watching them. You smirked as your hand fell to your blaster, feet already carrying you through the sea of the bodies towards him.
But then came a flash of light.
Your eyes had instinctively begun to search out the cause that had sparked a fire in the pit of your stomach, your eyes eventually landing on the familiar beskar that knocked you breathless as you stood in the middle of the dancefloor.
The lights of the club were flashing around and every couple of seconds, if you stood in this exact spot, they would flash off a beskar helmet and blind your vision for a moment.
He was already staring at you, his arms relaxed over the back of a booth and legs spread wide as a twi’lek clung to his side. For a second - the tiniest, fraction of a second - you were relieved. Din - your Din - was alive and he was here. After months of thinking the worst, thinking that he had been killed and he would never be offered a proper Mandalorian funeral as his body lay in the depths of the outer rim - that you would never get to say goodbye - here he was, living proof that he was okay.
It didn’t take long for the relief to give way to the rage that spread through your body; he was alive and he was here, running away from you and what had happened almost a year ago to the day.
You noticed the puck on his table, reminding you of your very own, and you quickly turned, forcing your body away from the man you wanted nothing more than to run into his arms and scream “thank the maker you are alive,” no matter how angry you were; if you didn’t leave now you didn’t know what you would end up doing.
The bounty was right in front of you when you turned around, his eyes falling to the red flashing light on your belt. He was massive, his arms larger than your helmet and your helmet only coming up to the middle of his chest, but in the moment it was no match against your fury. Before he could even drop the glass in his hand and run in the other direction you had already raised your fist, his body slumping to the ground as soon as it connected with his face.
Only a few people noticed - most too busy dancing - and so you were free to wrap a rope around his legs and carry him towards the door without much fuss.
For a year you had dreamt about Din following you home, back to the Covert, but now you hoped more than anything he would stay. You didn’t trust yourself with him. You didn’t know whether you would cry and proclaim your love or shout and knock him out as quickly as the bounty.
Usually you would have taken a little more care as you brought the bounty back to the ship but you needed to get out of there as fast as possible, quickly tying his legs together and ignoring the pain in your back as you dragged him towards your ship. You had almost made it halfway, your boots dragging through the icy snow and your hands catching your falling body on more than one occasion, when you heard the familiar voice call out to you.
“Verd’ika.”
You dropped the rope from across your shoulder before turning around to face him.
“Djarin.”
It was dark now but you could just make out from under the moonlight that was fighting through the trees how he had been leaning against a trunk before pushing off it, walking slowly over to you. He held himself… differently than you had remembered; the same armor, the same voice, everything telling you that this was Din but as he stood before you, you knew that this wasn’t yourDin.
“Been a while,” you said, forcing your voice not to shake.
He didn’t reply, nodding once before coming to a stop far closer than need be so your helmet had to tilt up towards him. You refused to speak first again, tilting your helmet and waiting for him to go on.
“Miss me?” He asked.
You sighed, rolling your eyes under your helmet and reaching for the bounty who you had left - rather uncomfortably - on the ground. Fuck him - he doesn’t even see what his running off has done to you.
“Listen, I’ve got places to be but it’s nice to know you’re alive since you just disappeared off the face of the earth.”
He quickly reached for your wrist as you turned around, his leather pressing tight against yours and holding you in place as you gasped before turning to the side and looking up at him.
“Are- are you leaving now?” He asked and you wrenched your wrist from his hold; his warm touch that had almost begun to feel natural disappearing.
“Yes. Looks like you were quite busy back there anyway,” you nodded your chin over his shoulder towards the Twi’lek who was making her way through the forest towards you, shouting for “Mando”.
“I-”
“It’s fine, Din,” you said and you noticed his shoulders fall at the bite in your words, “I’m glad you’re still alive.”
You didn’t wait for an answer this time, turning on your heels and marching back to the ship as the tears that were spilling down your cheek blurred your vision.
This time it was Din who was forced to watch as you walked away and nothing about it felt good.
//
Additional notes: so there we have it, the year without Din! I will be continuing on with the main story on the 8 June however I am on holiday an out of the country on the date so if there is trouble posting it will be pushed back to the following week when I am home! I hope you all enjoyed
Inside an abattoir, where animal flesh hangs, there were several Klatooinians that were walking around and cutting up meat, just doing their jobs. But they didn’t realize that they were soon gonna have some company.
Among the chatter and clatter, they didn’t notice two figures approaching the doorway with the long plastic flaps. The two figures, one a male and the other female, stop in front of the flaps and the male figure begins to push the flaps away, revealing the Mandalorian and his partner.
A few Klatooinians stopped and took notice as Mando, Din Djarin, and his partner, (y/n) (l/n), look around the room before they see another flapped door ahead of them, the sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard. The two walk up to the next set of flaps and enter the next room to see several Klatooinians inside, one of them sitting behind a table.
“You look lost.” he said after he took notice of the bounty hunters. “We're here for Kaba Baiz.” Din replied, firmly. "What makes you think he’s here? What do you want of him?“ the main Klatooinian asked and Din holds up a tracking fob, that was blinking red. "He owes someone important money.” (y/n) replied.
“Who?” the Klatooinian asked. “That’s not our business. We're here to bring him in.” Din tells him. “Well, if I see him, I’ll let him know.” the Klatooinian said and the bounty hunters stare at him before (y/n) pulls out a puck from her pocket. “We see him right now.” She said, plainly, as she sets the device down and opens up a holographic image of the Klatooinian that has been talking to them.
Kaba then chuckles in disbelief. “That’s not me. That doesn’t even look like me.” he said, playing dumb. “We're gonna give the rest of you the opportunity to walk out that door. We have no quarrel with you.” Din warns the other Klatooinians that were starting to linger closer to the hunters.
“They’re not going anywhere.” Kaba said then he smiles as he notices the slight nervous look (y/n) showed as his men started to get closer. “Looks to me like you’re surrounded. But you look like the practical type. Let’s discuss our options.” Kaba said and the two hunters continue to stare down Kaba before Din speaks up.
“We can bring you in warm, or we can bring you in cold.” he threatens as he slowly reaches for his blaster on his holster. (Y/n) was about to reach for her blaster when one of the Klatooinians jumps up and bites (y/n)’s right hand.
She lets out a scream then punches the Klatooinian that bit her while Din turns to another Klatooinian that was coming at him and tried to swing his blade at Din. He kicks the blade out of the Klatooinian’s hand then punches the creature. Din grabs the creature by the wrist and throws him aside until another Klatooinian shoots at him and he turns his back, blocking the blaster shots
.
Meanwhile, another Klatooinian comes at (y/n) and she punches and pulls out a small blade and stabs him in the chest. Another Klatooinian comes at her from behind and she quickly turns around and holds her hand out, making her use the Force to push the Klatooinian back and slam into the wall.
Din pulls out the Darksaber and slices at the Klatooinian's blaster then kicks another one after it shoots at his helmet. A third Klatooinian shoots at him and Din turns and punches him in the face. He drags the blade of the saber, like it was heavy, across the floor before bringing it up to slice at another Klatooinian and the hanging meat near it.
(Y/n) was beating up a couple of Klatooinians on her own as Din turned around and stabbed one in the stomach. He pulls the blade back and accidentally brings the blade down and hit his thigh
He lets out a pained scream and goes down on one knee. (Y/n) turns to see him and panics as she starts to run towards him but a couple more Klatooinians come up and grab her. She struggles in their grip as Kaba starts to get up from his chair.
Kaba starts to fire at Din as he gets up while (y/n) flips the small blade in her hand and thrust her right hand backwards, making the blade insert in the Klatooinian’s, that was holding her right hand, neck. She elbows him back then moved her right arm around and hold her hand out, Force pushing the second Klatooinian away from her.
Din gets up, pulls out his small blade and stabs Kaba in the chest then shoved him towards his desk and laid him on it. Then with an angry, frustrated yell, he raises the Darksaber up and then brings it down on Kaba, slicing him in half.
Din pants, heavily, as (y/n) hears a noise behind her. She turns and sees a Klatooinian getting up and run out of the room before she runs over to Din. “Hey, you okay?” She asked him, softly, as she places a hand on his shoulder. He nods, slightly, before he goes and decapitates Kaba then wraps it up in a cloth. The two hunters go and walk out of the room and see a group of Klatooinians, all of them staring at the hunters in a mixture of shock and fear.
“Your boss is dead. My partner and I are here to collect on his bounty. We have no trouble with any of you. There’s a pile of New Republic credits in there that we have no right to. If you do us the honor of letting us pass, you all can help yourselves to whatever you think you deserve from your former employer.” Din tells them. The Klatooinians look around at each other before they start to make their way into the room.
Din sighs with relief and he starts to limp his way out of their, (y/n) goes up next to him and places her hand on his back and helps guide him out of the abattoir.
“Din, you sure you’re okay?” (Y/n) asked him as they walk through the streets of Glavis, a large ringworld megastructure. “I’m fine, cyar'ika.” he said then he lets out a pained groan as he continues to limp. “If you would just let me…” she started to say. “I said I’m fine!” Din said, raising his voice. (Y/n) stops walking and gives him a disapproving look as she folds her arms across her chest.
Din stares at her and immediately regretted raising his voice at her. He never raised his voice at her or to her. It’s just the many emotions going around in his head was getting to him a bit.
“I’m sorry.” Din said, apologetically, as he lowers head. (Y/n) stares at him for a few moments before she un-crossed her arms. “We’re almost there. Once we drop this bounty off, I’ll let you look at it.” Din said as he gestures to his leg and (y/n) sighs. “Fine, but I’m helping you walk. You look pathetic limping along like a wounded animal.” She said as she takes arm and leads him to a turbolift, where a Caskadag was residing inside.
Once inside the lift, (y/n) takes Din over to the banister and leads over to the bars. “Here, lean against this.” She instructs him and he places his hand on the bar and leans against it. The Caskadag looks at the hunters, shocked, but quickly turns away when (y/n) looks at him.
The door opens and (y/n) helps Din out into a hallway, which leads to a meeting room where an Ishi Tib was sitting at a table with other alien creatures.
“That was fast. You two are good hunters.” The Ishi Tib said in Huttese. “We’d like our reward and the information you promised.” (Y/n) demands and the Ishi Tib was taken aback by this. “Why are you two rushing business?” he asked. "Our business is our own. Where is it?“ Din asked him but the Ishi Tib gestures to his table.
”Sit and enjoy a meal with us.“ he said but the hunters don’t move and (y/n) braces her hands on the table and glares at the Ishi Tib. "Where is the closest access shaft to the substrata?” She asked in a low voice. “Sit and feast with us or I will tell you nothing.” the Ishi Tib said and (y/n) stands up, straighter. “You can keep your reward. There’s a bounty on this Klatooinian. If you won’t give us the information, someone else will.” Din said as he holds up the cloth bag that held Kaba’s head.
They were about to leave but the Ishi Tib speaks up. “It’s down Kolzoc Alley by the heat vent towers.” he said and they turn to him and Din sighs. “Please sit. I have another job for you two.” the Ishi Tib said and Din tosses the bag on the table. “I’d put that on ice if I were you.” He said and the two hunters leave and head back into the turbolift.
They get back inside of the lift and once the doors shut, Din winces in pain and leans against the banisters. “Here…let me look.” (Y/n) said as she squats down and Din moves his injured leg towards her. There, she could see the large burned gash on the side of his thigh and she frowns at this.
“Oh, Din…” she mutters, sympathetic, and she digs in her satchel bag, looking for something. Then she found a bacta spray in her bag and starts to apply it on his wound, making him wince at this. “Udesii.” she mutters and finished applying the spray. This felt like déjà vu to Din and he smiles to himself.
“Okay, should be good now.” She said as she stands up. “Well, just as long as I don’t bleed to death.” He said before he chuckles a bit and she raises an eyebrow at him. “Again, doubting my skills…think you would’ve learned by now.” She said but a bit of smirk appears on her lips and she hears a chuckle from him. “Hell…Don’t you have enough battle scars already?” she asked him. Din shakes his head and brushes off the question just as the door of the lift opens and they walk out of it.
The two walk under a railway bridge as Din activates his built-in scanner. Through the ultraviolet scanner in his helmet, he finds that the walls are lined with several hidden mythosaur markings. Following the trail, Din enters a hatch which leads down a stairwell beneath Glavis. "You think they’ll be okay with me being with you?” (Y/n) asked him. “I don’t think they’ll do anything as long as you’re with me. Trust me.” Din said and he starts to climb down the stairs.
But then he slips and grabs onto the ladder and (y/n) looks down. “You okay?” She asked. “Yeah, I’m fine.” He said and he goes down the ladder and she follows him.
Eventually, they make their way down and see the Armorer, who was sitting on her knees. Din limps a bit and as he walks down the steps but (y/n) helps him down. “Do you need tending to?” The Armorer asked, not looking at them. “No, (y/n) took care of it. Just still recovering.” Din replied just as Paz Vizsla comes up.
“I didn’t know if I would ever see you again.” he said to Din. “Thank you for saving us on Nevarro. I am sorry for your sacrifice.” Din said to him. “As do I.” (Y/n) said. “There are three of us now.” Paz said then he looks over at (y/n). “And this apostate.” Paz sneered and (y/n) glares at him. “She’s helped and saved me several times. I trust her.” Din said and Paz scoffs a bit.
“Well…We’ll put you to work soon enough.” he said. “What weapon caused such a wound?” the Armorer asked. “This.” Din said and he grabs the Darksaber and holds it up. Paz stares at it and (y/n) could tell by his body language that he was shocked and in awe with the weapon.
“Paz Vizsla, bring it to me.” The Armorer said and Paz takes the saber from Din, holding it like it was a sacred piece, and walks over to the Armorer as she stands up and turns to him. She takes the saber and looks it over. “All this talk of the Empire, and they lasted less than 30 years. Mandalorians have existed 10,000.” She said and she activates the blade.
“What do you know of this blade?” She asked the two hunters. “We were told it is the Darksaber.” (y/n) replied. “Indeed. Do you two understand its significance?” she asked. "Whoever wields it can lead all of Mandalore.“ Din replied.
"If it is won by Creed in battle. It is said, one warrior will defeat 20, and the multitudes will fall before it. If, however, it is not won in combat and falls into the hands of the undeserving, it will be a curse unto the nation. Mandalore will be laid to waste and its people scattered to the four winds.” the Armorer replied then she retracts the blade.
“The hilt is of a quality of beskar I have never seen before.” Din said. “It was forged over 1,000 years ago by the Mandalore Tarre Vizsla. He was both Mandalorian and Jedi.” The Armorer said and (y/n) looks over at Paz and now it made sense why Paz seemed shocked about the saber.
“We have met Jedi.” Din said. “Then you have completed your quest.” She said and Din nods. “I have.” Din replied. “Then you may join our covert as we rebuild.” The Armorer said then Paz shoves (y/n). “And what of this apostate?” He asked and she turns and glares at Paz.
“Look, if you don’t want me around, I can leave. I’ll just wait for him.” (Y/n) said as she nods towards Din. “She is also still part of my clan.” Din said as the Armorer looks between them. “Fine. You can stay here…” the Armorer said but then she takes a step forwards towards (y/n). “But you will never be a part of us.” She said and (y/n) stands her ground.
“This is the way.” the Armorer said.
“This is the way.” Paz said.
“This is the way.” Din said and (y/n) just nods at them.
“Where did you come upon the Darksaber?” Paz asked Din as they moved some machinery. “I defeated Moff Gideon.” Din said. “Did you kill him?” Paz asked him. “No. But he was sent off to the New Republic for interrogation, and he will face justice for his crimes.” Din replied. “Death would have been justice for his atrocities.” Paz said with disdain.
“This is true. The blood of millions of our kind is on his hands.” The Armorer said as she walks up to them. “Then he will be executed for his crimes by the New Republic Tribunal.” (Y/n) said and the Armorer turns her head to her and looks her over for a few moments. “We shall see.” She said and they continue on to rebuilding the smelter.
“The songs of eons past foretold of the Mythosaur rising up to herald a new age of Mandalore. Sadly, it only exists in legends.” The Armorer said as she goes to a cabinet and opens it, revealing several beskar sticks. “Where did you two come upon the beskar spears?” She asked as she gestures to their spears. “It was the gifts of a Jedi. It can block a lightsaber. I used it to defeat Moff Gideon.” Din said. “I used it to help him.” (Y/n) added.
“It can also pierce beskar armor. Its mere existence puts Mandalorians at risk. Mandalorian steel is meant for armor, not weapons.” the Armorer said and Din and (y/n) share a look before they take the spear off of their backs and hold them out to her.
“Then forge it into armor.” Din said and the Armorer takes both spears. “The Darksaber is a more noble weapon for you to wield.” she said as she sets one spear to the side then places one over the smelter, starting the melting.
“Have you ever heard of Bo-Katan Kryze?” Din asked her. “Bo-Katan is a cautionary tale. She once laid claim to rule Mandalore based purely on blood and the sword you now possess. But it was gifted to her and not won by Creed.” the Armorer replied as she continues to heat up the tip of the spear. "Bo-Katan Kryze was born of a mighty house, but they lost sight of the way. Her rule ended in tragedy. They lost their way, and we lost our world. Had our sect not been cloistered on the moon of Concordia, we would have not survived the Great Purge. Those born of Mandalore strayed away from the path. Eventually, the Imperial interlopers destroyed all that we knew and loved in the Night of a Thousand Tears. Only those that walked the way escaped the curse prophesized in the Creed. Though our numbers were scattered to the winds, our adherence to the way has preserved our legacy for the generations until we may someday return to our homeworld.“ She explains. That’s why she wanted the blade from Gideon so bad. (y/n) thought.
"What shall I forge?” The Armorer asked. “Something for a foundling.” Din replied. “This is the way.” The Armorer said, nodding, and she starts to get to work before Din speaks up. “For a specific foundling. Grogu.” He said and (y/n) whips her head to Din and she couldn’t hide the smile on her lips.
“He’s no longer in your care. He is with his own kind now.” the Armorer said, like it was very obvious. “(Y/n) and I want to see him, make sure he’s safe.” Din said. "In order to master the ways of the Force, Jedi must forgo all attachment.“ The Armorer said. "That is the opposite of the Creed. Loyalty and solidarity are the way.” (Y/n) said and the Armorer turns to her for a moment then back to Din. “What shall I forge for the foundling Grogu?” She asked.
After forging the gift and wrapping it up, the Armorer was training Din on how to wield the Darksaber, Paz and (y/n) were watching from afar. Din was able to block her attacks but when it came to him to attack, it was like he was struggling with the blade. He swung at her at one point and she dodges and he falls off the bridge. “You are fighting against the blade.” The Armorer said and Din uses his jetpack to get back on the walkway and lands on one knee, holding the Darksaber down.
He grunts as he tries to bring the blade up but it was like lifting a few hundred pounds. "It gets heavier with each move.“ Din informs. "That is because you are fighting against the blade. You should be fighting against your opponent. Stand up.” The Armorer said and Din stands up and drags the blade across the floor then brings it up and he goes to attack her but she either dodge or block his attacks.
She bonks the top of his helmet with her weapon then places the weapon under his helmet, holds it then removes her weapon away from him then attacks him again. “There. Feel it.” The Armorer said as she brought her weapon down on him but he holds up the saber to block but she pushed down. “You are too weak to fight the Darksaber. It will win if you fight against it.” The Armorer said then she pulls her weapons back and Din falls to his knees while the blade retracts.
“You cannot control it with your strength.” She said and he stands back up. “I want to try again.” he said, determined. “Persistence without insight will lead to the same outcome. Your body is strong, but your mind is distracted.” The Armorer informs. “I am focused.” Din said, firmly. “The blade says otherwise.” said the Armorer then Paz comes up.
“Maybe the Darksaber belongs in someone else’s hands.” He said as he walks up to them and the Armorer turns while Din stands up, straighter. “Maybe.” Din said. “It was forged by my ancestor, founder of House Vizsla.” Paz informs. "And now it belongs to me.“ Din said. "Because you won it in combat.” Paz said. “That’s right.” said Din. “And now I will win it from you.” Paz challenges then the Armorer turns to Din.
“Do you agree to this duel, Din Djarin?” she asked him and Din continues to stare him down. "I do.“ He said and the Armorer nods as she steps aside. "Wait, are we really doing this?” (Y/n) asked and they turn to her. “Like you said, there’s only three of you left.” She said.
“Be quiet, apostate.” Paz sneered and (y/n) glares back at him and was about to say something when Din speaks up. “Stop calling her that.” Din said and Paz turns to him.
“Din Djarin accepted this challenge and so it shall be.” The Armorer said and (y/n) felt her heart beating, hard, in her chest as Paz and Din stare down each other then started to remove their jetpacks off of their backs and set them aside.
They get into position and Din ignites the Darksaber and Paz pulls out a blade then activates a shield on his left arm. They stare down each other and they slowly start to come towards each other and fight.
Din and Paz traded blows with either their weapons or their fist, and sometimes they headbutted each other, until Paz grabs Din by the neck, slams his head against his then tossed him aside to a lower platform. Din lands on the platform and the blade of the Darksaber retracts and Paz jumps down, grabs Din and slams him against the pillar.
Then he goes and grabs the Darksaber and ignites it again. “Fate has brought this blade back to my clan, and now fate will end yours.” Paz said and he goes to slice at Din but he ducks and stabs a small blade at Paz’s side. Paz screams out then goes to attack him with the saber again but Din dodges and tries to get up on his feet.
But Paz grabs him and slams him up against the wall as he tries to bring the saber up. Din stands up then goes to Paz’s side and sliced at him. Paz turns to strike at him again but Din dodges, gets behind him and places his arms around Paz’s head, holding his blade towards Paz’s neck.
“It is done.” The Armorer said and Din takes a breather while (y/n) felt relieved. She was tensed and worried through the whole fight, wondering if Din would come out of this okay. “Paz Vizsla, have you ever removed your helmet?” The Armorer asked Paz. “No.” Paz replied. “Has it ever been removed by others?” She asked him. “Never.” He replied.
“This is the way.” the Armorer said.
“This is the way.” Paz said and (y/n) felt her heart leap up in her throat as the Armorer turns to Din. “Din Djarin, have you ever removed your helmet?” She asked and she was met with silence. “Have you ever removed your helmet?” The Armorer asked again and (y/n) looks over at Din, who had his head turned slighty her way, her eyes wide as she gives a slight shake of her head, telling him to not say it.
“By Creed, you must vow.” the Armorer said, firmly, after a few more moments of silence. "I have.“ Din said and (y/n) gasped at this. She couldn’t believe that he admitted it. "Then, you are a Mandalorian no more.” the Armorer said and Din removes his hands off of Paz and stands up, quickly.
“I beg you for your forgiveness. How can I atone?” Din asked. "Leave, apostate. And take your pet with you!“ Paz sneered as he points towards (y/n). "What did you say?!” (Y/n) asked, angrily, as she starts to walk forward a bit but the Armorer holds a hand up then turns her head towards (y/n).
“Why don’t you tell Din Djarin how he can be redeemed, (y/n) (l/n).” She said and (y/n) looks over at her then over to Din and gulps, remembering that night when The Armorer told her she was no longer a Mandalorian. "According to Creed, one may only be redeemed in the living waters beneath the mines of Mandalore.“ (y/n) said, reciting what the Armorer told her all those years ago.
"But the mines have all been destroyed.” Din said and (y/n) gives him an apologetic look. “This is the way.” The Armorer said and Din looks down, takes the Darksaber then goes to grab his jetpack and puts it on. Then he walks past the Armorer and grabs (y/n)’s arm and the two hunters begin to leave.
“Din?” (Y/n) asked as her and Din kept walking the streets of Glavis, he kept silent. “Din, please talk to me.” (Y/n) said after a few more moments of silence. Din still stays silent as he keeps walking but (y/n) sighs then takes his arm and leads him towards an alleyway.
“Din…talk to me. You scare me when you don’t talk at all.” She said, worried, once she places him in front of her. “What do you want me to say?” Din asked her, a bit of anger and annoyance in his voice. “Just…tell me what’s on your mind. I know back there…that was rough for you.” She said to him, calmly, and he shakes his head then turns away before he shrugs.
“I don’t know…I just feel…I feel…” he starts to say but stops. “…angry, ashamed, sad and lost?” She asked and he turns to her. “I know, Din. I know how that feels.” She said and Din felt his heart break seeing the look sadness but also understanding in her eyes.
“Does it go away? That feeling after leaving the Creed?” he asked and she bites her lips and looks away. “It never really goes away. Some days are good and some days are bad. And some days you’ll feel numb.” She replied as she turns to him then she takes his hand in hers. “But it will get better though.“ She said. “Why’s that?” Din asked and she smiles at him. “Because you won’t be alone. You have me, Din.” She said and she noticed that his body relaxed a bit, letting her know that he was relieved.
"But I have to ask…why didn’t you lie? I mean, she wouldn’t have known and you know I wouldn’t say anything.” (Y/n) said. “I-I-I just couldn’t. I wanted to but..I couldn’t bring myself to.” He replied and she nods slightly at this. “Do you regret it? Removing your helmet?” She asked and Din stares at her for one second before saying. “No.”
She smiles, softly, at him then places her hands on his chest which snaked up to his helmet. Her fingers curl over the edges but before she moves, she looks to Din as if asking permission. The two look around to make sure they were alone and no one was around before they look back at each other.
Din nods at her, giving her permission, and she slowly lifts up his helmet. Her heart broke just as she saw the look of shame on Din’s face and in his eyes as she tucks his helmet under her left arm. She places right hand on his cheek and he closes his eyes. She smiles a bit and Din opens his brown eyes to her, giving a look that was a mixture of love but also shame.
She gives him a sympathetic smile to him as he closes his eyes then he leans his forehead against hers. (Y/n) raises her head a bit and kissed his forehead before she moves her head back to lean against Din’s forehead. Din opens his eyes, slightly, to stare at her before he goes and kiss her. She returns the kiss and the two hunters share a loving kiss.
After the kiss and putting his helmet back on, Din and (y/n) make their way to the Starport. “Attention, please. Flight 1020, nonstop service to Tatooine, is now ready for boarding at gate number one. All passengers, please proceed to the boarding area immediately.” an announcer said as Din and (y/n) walk past an RX-Series Security droid, which beeps at them.
“Excuse me, sir and madam. You’re going to have to remove your weapons.” the Droid tells them as they stop and turn. “I’m a Mandalorian. Weapons are part of my religion.” Din said, slightly annoyed. “I’m sorry, sir, you can’t board a commercial flight with your weapons.” the Droid said and Din sighs and (y/n) places a hand on his shoulder.
“If you wish to discuss this with my supervisor, I will gladly book you two on tomorrow’s flight.” the Droid said and (y/n) turns to Din. “Might as well.” She said to him and Din sighs again. “Fine.” He said and he and (y/n) remove all of their weapons and place them inside these two cases, one for each of them.
After placing all of their weapons in and getting the key card to those cases, the cases closed and Din points a threatening finger at the Droid. “I know everything that’s in there.” He said. “Proceed.” the Droid said and (y/n) takes Din’s hand and the two head inside the ship.
The two hunters sit in the passengers lounge, Din looking out the window and (y/n) looks down at the floor. She then senses that she was being watched, and she looks up and sees a Rodian child in the seat at front of them. Din looks up and sees the kid as well and just seeing this kid, really reminded them of Grogu. From the big eyes and the green skin.
The child waves to them but the child’s mother tells her son to leave them alone. (y/n) frowns then lowers her eyes, realizing how much she missed the little guy. She places a hand over her face and runs it over her face until she felt Din’s arms move.
She looks over and sees him pulling the gift out of his bag and staring at it. The way the gift was wrapped looked exactly like Grogu’s head. She gives a sad look to the gift then placed her hand on Din’s arm. He turns his head to her and her lips twitch a bit before she whispers. “I miss him too.” Then she leans her head on his shoulder as both of them sit in silence.
“Welcome to Mos Eisley.” the bell Droid said as the get off of the shuttle and head over to the Droid that was holding their cases. “Here.” Din said as he and (y/n) hold up their key cards and unlock the cases. “On behalf of all our crew, thank you for travelling Star Liner Travel. We wish you a pleasant stay and hope to see you again very soon.” the Droid said as the two look over their weapons, making sure they’re there, then collect them before they head off.
They head over to Peli Motto’s Hangar when they hear a commotion and Peli screaming. They run over and see that a womp rat had grabbed Peli and was beginning to drag her away. Thinking fast, Din pulls out his blaster and shoots the creature dead. Peli gets up and sees the newcomers.
“Oh, good. Oh, boy!” she said as she scrambles to her feet then smiles at the two. “Hey, look, everyone. It’s Mando and his friend.” Peli exclaims and the droids make some noise of hooray but move on as Peli walks up to the hunters.
“What do we owe the pleasure? You two here to slay another dragon? Chasing down some elusive bounty?” She asked them. “I got your message.” Din said and Peli gives him a confused look. “Message? What message?” she asked. “You said you found us a replacement for the Razor Crest.” Din replied and she gives a look of realization. “Yeah, that’s right. That’s what I said. That’s what I do. I’ve been working my butt off, yeah.” She said then she gives them a look.
“Did you bring the cash?” She asked and (y/n) pulls out a bag of credits. “It’s right here.” she said as she hands it to Peli. “Mind if I count it? Not that I don’t trust you two. I just wanna make sure you don’t give me too much.” Peli said as Din stares at her and (y/n) shrugs.
“Hey, droids, make yourself useful. Count this up, and then fire up the grill before that thing gets gamey.” Peli shouts as she hands the bag of credits to the droids then she turns and smiles to the hunters. “Right this way. Wait till you get your eyes on this baby.” She said as she takes the lead and the hunters follow her.
“So, where is your unlikely companion?” Peli asked them, noticing Grogu wasn’t with them. We returned him to his own kind.“ (y/n) replied and Peli gives them a look of confusion. "Why the hell would you do that? I could’ve made good money off that thing. Open a petting zoo.” She chuckles and the two hunters stop and stare at her.
“Where’s the ship?” Din asked her. “Right this way.” she said and she leads the two to a hangar area with a large item covered in tarp. “Ready to have your mind blown?” Peli asked and she removes the tarp, revealing a modified N-1 starfighter.
“Where’s the Razor Crest?” Din asked as (y/n) furrows her brow at the ship. “I never said I had a Razor Crest. I said I had a replacement for a Razor Crest.” Peli said and (y/n) rolls her eyes at this. “We don’t have time for this.” Din mutters, annoyed. “Hang on a second. Do you have any idea what this is?” Peli asked them and the two shrug. “This is an N-1 starfighter, handmade for the royal guard and commissioned personally by the Queen of Naboo.” Peli explains as (y/n) looks over the ship.
“This is a pile of junk.” Din said. “Not to mention, it only has one seat.” (Y/n) said, once she finished looking it over. “Do you want your credits back?” Peli asked them. “Yes.” the two hunters said and Peli holds up her hands. “No skin off my dip-swap.” She said then she leans over.
“Droids, bring this lovely man and lady their money.” She shouts and the droids run off to go get it. “Here you go. It’s that easy. Sorry to waste your time. Okay?” Peli said and Din sighs as they wait for the droids.
“While we’re waiting, can I tell you a little something about this honey? I know she doesn’t look like much, but you got here a lot earlier than I expected, and I didn’t get a chance to finish. I mean, clearly, you can see I’ve got all the parts right here. Hmm? It all has a home. Okay?” Peli said then she noticed something on the ship.
“Oh, look, a family of scurriers. Let’s not disrupt the nest.” She said as Din walks up to the ship. “You know how hard it is to find all original parts from way back in the Galactic Republic? I mean, these are all handmade. No droids. And not only that, what I’m gonna do, just because I like you two, is I’m gonna add on some custom modifications that’ll make her faster than a fathier, and I’ll add an extra seat, and because this baby’s pre-Empire, she’s off the grid.” Peli said and Din and (y/n) look over at her then they share a look. Off the grid? That would be very helpful. (y/n) thought as Peli continues on.
“And did I mention, she can jump into hyperspace with no docking ring? I mean, come on! You gotta see the potential. Whoo! I’m telling you, you two gotta believe me. This is a classic.” Peli said but she could tell that the two were still hesitant as Din walks around the ship. “Look, at least let me put her together before you decide. Can you give me that?” She asked and Din looks over at (y/n), who sighs at this.
“We really do need a ship, cyar'ika. But you’re the boss, your call.” (Y/n) said and Din looks the ship over before he turns to Peli and nods and she smiles, happily. "There you go. Hmm? Get this baby up and goin’.“ she said and she goes to grab a tool then goes up to Din. "You know, it’d be a lot faster if you and your friend helped.” she said and Din takes the tool and they began to work.
Hours went on as Din and (y/n) worked on the ship, fixing it up and adding a second seat, until Peli came in. “Great news! I found you a turbonic venturi power assimilator. You’re gonna be the fastest ship on the Outer Rim.” She said as she brings in a long pole and hands it to Din.
“Where did you get this?” Din asked her, shocked. “It’s brand-new. Well, Jawa new.” Peli replied. “The Jawas had a turbonic venturi assimilator from a Galactic Republic-era starfighter?” (y/n) asked her. “Well, they didn’t have it. They got it.” she replied.
“From where?” Din asked her. “Tatooine is a garden of many bounties.” Peli said. “I don’t understand.” Din said, confused. “I gave ’em a list.” Peli said. “Of parts?” (y/n) asked. “Yeah.” Peli replied. “And they find them for you?” (y/n) asked her. “I don’t ask. They don’t tell. They give me what I ask for. In exchange, I let ’em pick through my dumpster.” Peli said and Din and (y/n) share a look before they look back at Peli.
“Can we meet them?” Din asked her. “Yeah, sure.” She said then she turns her head the other way. “R5! See if the Jawas are still out back.” She shouts then she turns back to the hunters. “Dated a Jawa for a while. They’re quite furry. Very furry. Lot of issues.” she tells them and (y/n) turns her head. Okay, too much information. she thought, embarrassed, as some Jawas come in.
“Oh, here they are.” Peli said and the Jawas talk to her and she talks back to them in their native language. “If we give them a list of parts, could they get them for us?” Din asked Peli and she and the Jawas talk amongst each other before she turns back to them.
“They said make a wishlist and they’ll see what’s available.” Peli said and Din nods. “Okay, I’m looking for mostly bolt-on aftermarket speed mods. This is all hand-built, custom. I’m guessing we need vintage hyperware if it’s gonna fit this antique.” Din said and Peli smiles. “Listen to you. Don’t worry about the shape and size. Just get the parts you want with the specs you need, and I’m gonna make it work, all right? I dated a Jawa. I know what I’m doing, right?” she said then she turns to the Jawas and speaks to them and they talk back to her.
“Oh, that’s okay. I’m working on me right now. Just go find the parts.” she tells them and they talk to her then they head off.
Sometime later, Din, (y/n) and a BD Droid were working on the ship, placing parts where it should be, when Peli comes in with the Jawas from earlier. “That was fast.” Din said. “These critters could find a skud in a krill pond. Will that do?” Peli asked as she hands the things Din asked for.
“Where did they get a cryogenic density combustion booster?” Din asked as he looks through the things. “Do you really wanna know?” Peli asked him. “Sure.” Din said and Peli turns to the Jawas and talks to them. They respond and she turns to Din. “I got it. They said they crawled under a Pyke spice runner and crimped it off while they were refueling.” she replied.
“Gutsy little fellas.” (Y/n) said, impressed. “Let me tell you something, Pykes do not mess around. Ever since they’ve been moving spice through the system, everything’s gone to hell. Everyone’s afraid of ’em and law enforcement won’t even go near ’em.” Peli said. “Well, thanks.” Din said to the Jawas and Peli looks at him. “Thanks? What? Are you kidding me?” she asked as Din tosses some credits to the Jawas. “What’d you do that for? You’re gonna spoil ’em. Are you trying to make me look bad?” Peli asked, slightly offended, as Din and (y/n) got back to work.
Finally, the next day, the droids push out the new ship and Peli lets out a laugh. “Oh! Not a gram of fat on her. You know, no one’s catching you in this thing.” she exclaims as Din and (y/n) look over the work they did. “Wow…” (y/n) whispers, feeling proud of this ship.
“What happened to the droid port?” Din asked as he looks at the upper port. “I hogged it out. You know, I figured, with your disposition, you’d wanna forgo the astromech.” Peli said and R5 beeps. “Hey! Watch your language around the customers.” Peli yells at him as Din runs his hand across the surface of the ship as he walks. (Y/n) let’s out a small impressed laugh as she looks over the ship and places her hands over her mouth.
“Think she’s ready?” (y/n) asked Peli once she lowers her hands. “Ready as she’ll ever be. Start her up.” Peli said and the two hunters turn to her. “Really?” they asked. “Yeah, start her up.” She tells them and Din and (y/n) look at each other and (y/n) smiles. The hatch opens and Din gestures for (y/n) to get in.
She jumps in the ship and takes the back seat she and Peli put in, then Din gets into the front seat. The hatch closes and Din flips some switches and pushes some buttons but nothing happens. “It’s not turning over.” Din said. “Give it a little bit more juice.” Peli prompts and Din does as she said and the engine begins to whirl.
“That’s a lot of engine for a little ship.” (y/n) said. “Yeah, well, see what she can do!” Peli shouts over the engine. “Shouldn’t we run a diagnostic first?” Din asked her. “Nah! I can hear her! She’s purring! Send her up!” Peli said and Din maneuvers the ship to rise up.
(Y/n) looks around to see that they were rising up, this felt pretty exciting. “Engaging forward drives.” Din warns and he pushes on the accelerator forward and the ship takes off. “Whoa!” (Y/n) said, unexpected, as Din steers the ship around, alittle bit on the rough side.
“She handles a little bumpy.” Din said. “You’re used to a gunship, but she’s a starfighter. So fly her like one.” Peli said through the communicator. “Okay. I’ll open her up.” Din said then he looks over his shoulder at (y/n). “Hang on, cyar'ika.” he said and she nods as Din pushes some buttons and the ship goes even faster.
The two felt a jerk pull them back towards their seats as they fly through many rock formation. “Dank Farrik, she’s fast.” (Y/n) compliments as they continue to fly on. “Smooth?” Peli asked. “As a gonk’s scomp jack.” Din said and Peli lets out a cheer.
“Controls are real snappy. How’s the maneuverability?” Din asked her. “You tell me. Point your navigational disposition between the two suns. You’ll come up to Beggar’s Canyon.” Peli tells them and they come upon a canyon. Din then flips the ship sideways and they fly through the canyon.
“How’s the handling?” Peli asked Din. “Tight. She tracks like a railspeeder.” he replied. “What did I tell you? Razor Crest.” Peli grumbles as they continue to fly across the desert. “Let’s see what she’s got.” Din said and he moves the ship upward and towards into space.
He does a barrel-roll through space and (y/n) let’s out an excited giggle. Then they fly beside the space liner, where they see the Rodian child, they encountered earlier, inside of it. The child notices the starship and stares out the window at them and the two hunters nod at him before they take off again.
“Oh my…this is amazing!” (Y/n) chuckles but then they are intercepted by two New Republic X-Wing Starfighters. “Dank Farrik!” Din grumbles. “Haar'chak." (y/n) said at the same time.
"Run your beacon for me, N-1.” One of the pilot said. “Was I doing something wrong, officer?” Din asked. “You’re not allowed to fly that fast next to a commercial ship. You’re also operating without a beacon. I’m gonna need you to run one for us.” the pilot informed. “Sorry, officer, I got a little carried away there. Transmitting now.” Din said as he transmits the beacon.
“Hmm. Your engine model doesn’t match your power drive.” the pilot said, suspicious. “We just built her. My friend and I were taking her up for a test flight. Haven’t been able to update the registration just yet.” Din replied. “We’re gonna need to see your title tabs. Send us a ping.” the pilot said. “Yeah, sorry, officer, but my transmitter isn’t hooked up yet. We’ll head right back to Mos Eisley and get it sorted out.” Din said. “Relinquish your flight controls for remote-control access.” the pilot said and (y/n) felt her heart beat hard in her chest.
“Hold on a second there, Lieutenant. I think we can let them off with a warning this time.” the second pilot said, who sounded a bit familiar. “Thank you, officer. I’ll have that taken care of.” Din said and he was about to leave but the second pilot speaks up again.
“One thing before you go.” He said. “Yes?” Din asked. “Your voice is mighty familiar. Did you used to fly a Razor Crest?” the pilot asked. “I think you have the wrong guy, officer.” Din said. “That ship showed up on a transponder log back in Nevarro in an incident involving Imperial remnants. I’m just connecting some dots here. You mind answering a few questions?” the pilot said and (y/n) remembered why he sounded familiar.
And it seemed that Din remembered as well since he pushes a button and they fly out of there in a flash.
They return to Mos Eisley and land back in Peli’s hangar and she exclaims. “Whoo!” The hatch opens up and she walks up to them. “Well? How was it?” She asked them. “Wizard.” Din said, impressed. “Amazing.” (Y/n) said and Peli chuckles.
“Those J-type pulse engines really tighten the old evacuation port, don’t they?” Peli said as Din climbs out of the ship then turns and helps (y/n) out. "…Oh, by the way, an old friend of yours dropped by, said she was looking for you two.“ Peli said "A friend of ours?” (y/n) asked, confused.
“Don’t worry. I told her I didn’t know where you two were. Then I locked her out and engaged the hangar security system.” Peli said. “She tell you her name?” Din asked her.
“Fennec Shand.” a voice shouts and Peli shrieks as Din and (y/n) turn around and see Fennec sitting on some boxes nearby. Peli then turns to her droids. “I thought you said that the hangar security system was on. Don’t get away from me. You come right back here. This is the third mistake this week. Someone’s getting deprogrammed.” she grumbles at the Droids. They argue back with her as they walk away.
Fennec smiles as she walks up to the two hunters. “By any chance, are you two looking for work?” she asked them. “We could be.” Din said. “The pay is good.” Fennec said as she tosses the bag of credits to Din, who catches it.
“What’s the bounty?” (y/n) asked. “No bounty. We need muscle.” she replied. “Boba Fett.” Din and (y/n) said, realizing, and Fennec nods. “He sure would appreciate it.” she said and the two hunters share a look and (y/n) nods.
Din turns to Fennec and tosses the credits back to her. “Tell him it’s on the house.” He said and she catches the credits and smiles. “But first, we got to pay a visit to a little friend.” Din said and (y/n) smiles.
The Slave I begins shooting at a ship, a ship that held Dr Pershing. The two pilots that were with him tried their best to maneuver and lose the Slave I but Fett stayed on their tail.
“What’s going on? Who are they?” Pershing asked the pilots, panicked. “I suggest you shut your mouth, this isn’t your laboratory.” The pilot said, firmly, as he tried to get away. But Fett aims his ion cannon and fires at them, shutting their ship down.
“They hit us with an ion cannon. Avionics are down. Comms are down!” The co-pilot said as he tries to flip every switch and push every button he could but nothing.
“Lower your shields, disengage all transponders, prepare for boarding.” Fett ordered through his comms. “They’re pirates. Shouldn’t we fight?” Pershing asked the pilots. “I don’t have a death wish, do you?” The first pilot asked him and the Slave I approaches them then begins to board.
Pershing and the pilots hear a loud thud then a second later the doors open and in walks in Din and (y/n), both of then aiming their blasters at the three men as they hold their hands up.
“Before you make a mistake, this is Dr. Pershing.” The first pilot tells them. “We’ve met.” Din said and (y/n) turns to Pershing. “Is the kid alive?” She asked him. “Yes. He’s on the cruiser.” Pershing said then the first pilot grabs him and aims a gun at the doctor’s head.
At that moment, Cara comes in. “Stay back, Dropper.” The first pilot sneered at her. She aims her blaster at him then the second pilot speaks up. “Easy, pal. Okay? I’m not with him. We can work something out.” He said when the first pilot aims his blaster at him and shoots him, making Pershing gasp.
“Drop your weapon.” Cara orders him as he aims his gun back at Pershing. “No. No, you listen to me. This is a top-tier target of the New Republic. This is a clone engineer. And if they find out that he’s dead because of you, you’re gonna wish you never left Alderaan.” The pilot said and Cara glares at him while Pershing shakes with fear.
“I saw the tear.” The pilot laughs as he gestures to Cara’s face. “You wanna know what else I saw? I saw your planet destroyed.” He said and Cara clenched her teeth. “I was on the Death Star.” The pilot said. “Which one?” Cara asked, sarcastically, and the pilot laughs, mockingly.
“You think you’re funny? Do you know how many millions were killed on those bases?” He asked her and Cara starts to shake with anger. “Drop your blaster.” She orders. “As the galaxy cheered?” The pilot said, egging her on. “Last chance.” Cara warns.
“Destroying your planet was a small price to pay to rid the galaxy of terrorism.” The pilot spat and Cara shoots him square in the face. The pilot’s dead body drops to the floor and Pershing began to scream and hold the side of his head while Cara walks away.
The Slave I enters another planet and lands at a nearby cantina. Fett, Din and (y/n) exit the ship and enter the cantina. The patrons looked a bit scared and taken aback to see two Mandalorians inside.
The trio looked around and see Bo-Katan and Koska in the back of Cantina. They walk up to them as Koska and Bo-Katan turns to them. “We need your help.” Din said and Bo-Katan smirks at this. “Not all Mandalorians are bounty hunters. Some of us serve a higher purpose.” She said, smugly.
“They took the Child.” (Y/n) tells her and the smirk on Bo-Katan’s face fades. “Who?” She asked. “Moff Gideon.” Din replied. “You’ll never find him.” She said and she and Koska turn back to their food and drinks on the table.
“We don’t need these two. Let’s get outta here.” Fett said and the trio start to walk away until Bo-Katan and Kosha turn in their seat. “You are not a Mandalorian.” Bo-Katan said, looking at Fett. “Never said I was.” Fett said. “I didn’t know sidekicks were allowed to talk.” Koska said, snidely, and Fett chuckles as he walks up to them.
“Well, if that isn’t the Quadra calling the Stifling slimy.” He said as Kosha stands up and the two stand in front of each other. “Easy there, little one.” Fett tells her. “You’ll be talking through the window of a bacta tank.” Koska said as she gets into Fett’s face.
“All right, easy. Save it for the Imps.” Bo-Katan said to her. Kosha glares at Fett before she sits back down. “We have his coordinates.” Din tells Bo-Katan, who looks surprised. “You can bring me to Moff Gideon?” She asked. “The Moff has a light cruiser. It could be helpful in your effort to regain Mandalore.” (Y/n) tells her.
“You gotta be kidding me. Mandalore? The Empire turned that planet to glass.” Fett said to (y/n) and Din.
“You are a disgrace to your armor.” Bo-Katan said to Fett, disgusted. “This armor belonged to my father.” Fett growls at her. “Don’t you mean your donor?” She spat at him and Fett walks up to her. “Careful, princess.” He warns and her and Koska stand up. “You are a clone. I’ve heard your voice thousands of times.” She snides as she smiles. “Mine might be the last one you hear.” Fett threatened.
At that moment, Koska attacks and Fett grabs her and tosses her aside, making her hit a table. She gets up and Fett uses a grapple and it wraps around her wrist. They play a bit of tug o’ war before Kosha pulls him towards her and kicks him.
He doubles over and she grabs his head, then flies up, runs up a pilar and swings Fett around towards another table and slams him down on it. They get up and turn on their flamethrower gauntlets on and blow fire.
“Enough! Both of you! If we had shown half that spine to the Empire we would’ve never lost our planet.” Bo-Katan yells at them and they turn off their flamethrower, Fett gets up on his feet. Bo-Katan turns to Din and (y/n). “We will help you. In exchange, we will keep that ship to retake Mandalore. If you should manage to finish your quest, I would have both of you consider joining our efforts. Mandalorians have been in exile from our home would for far too long.” She said.
“Fair enough.” Din said as (y/n) nods in agreement.
“One more thing. Gideon has a weapon that once belonged to me. It is an ancient weapon that can cut through anything.” Bo-Katan said. “Almost anything.” Kosha grumbles. “It cannot cut through pure beskar. I will kill the Moff and retake what is rightfully mine. With the Darksaber restored to me, Mandalore will finally be within reach.” Bo-Katan said.
“Help us rescue the Child and you can have whatever you want. He is our only priority.” Din tells her as he, subtly, places a hand on (y/n)’s back. Bo-Katan looks between the two and smiles.
Back in the Slave I, Bo-Katan brings up a hologram of Gideon’s cruiser while everyone gathers around. “This is Moff Gideon’s Imperial light cruiser. In the old days, it would carry a crew of several hundred. Now it operates with a tiny fraction of that.” Bo-Katan said.
“Your assessment is misleading.” Pershing, who was handcuffed and sitting in a seat near her, informs. “Oh, great. An objective opinion.” Cara grumbles. “This isn’t subterfuge. I assure you.” He tells her. “Let him speak.” Bo-Katan said, raising a finger to Cara.
“There’s a garrison of dark troopers on board. They’re the ones who abducted the Child.” Pershing informs. “How many troopers do they javelin armed in those suits?” Din asked him. “These are third-generation design. They are no longer suits. The human inside was the final weakness to be solved. They’re droids.” Pershing replied and Din and (y/n) look at each other.
“Where are they bivouacked?” Fennec asked and Pershing stands up and goes over to the console. “They’re held in cold storage in this cargo bay.” He said as he zooms in on the cargo bay on the hologram map of the cruiser. “They draw too much power to be kept at ready.” He said.
“How long to power up.” (Y/n) asked. “A few minutes, perhaps.” Pershing replied. “Where is the Child being held?” Din asked and Pershing changes the location on the hologram to a small room in the cruiser. “This is the brig. He’s being held here under armed guard.” He said.
“Very well. We split into two parties.” Bo-Katan said. “(Y/n) and I will go alone.” said Din and Bo-Katan glances at him. “Fine.” She grumbles before she continues. “Phase one, Lambda shuttle issues a distress call. Two, we emergency land at the mouth of the fighter launch tube, cutting off any potential interceptors. Koska, Fennec, Dune and myself disembark with maximum initiative. Once we’ve neutralized the launch bay, we make our way through these tandem decks in a penetration maneuver.” Bo-Katan explains as she flips through different parts of the map.
“And me and (y/n)?” Din asked her. “We’ll be misdirection.” She replied as she turns to the two. “Once we draw a crowd, you two slip through the shadows, get the kid."
"Those dark troopers are gonna be a real skank in the scud pie.” Cara commented and Bo-Katan turns back to the hologram map. “Their bay is on the way to the brig. Can they make it there before they deploy?” Bo-Katan asked Pershing. “It’s possible.” Pershing said and Fennec takes the code cylinder out of Pershing’s pocket and hands it to (y/n).
“Here. Take his code cylinder and seal off their holding bay. Anyone else, we can handle.” She said. “We’ll meet at the bridge.” (Y/n) said and everyone nods.
“Moff Gideon is mine. Got it?” Bo-Katan states as her, Cara, Fennec, Din, and (y/n) were in the Lambda shuttle while Fett was in the Slave I behind them, going in hyperspace. “He’s ex-ISB. He’s got a lot of information. I need him alive.” Cara said, firmly. “I don’t care what happens to him as long as he surrenders to me.” Bo-Katan sneers, a bit of a smirk plays on her lips.
“Prepare to exit jump space.” Fett’s voice said through the comms. “Copy that. Get the hell out of there as soon as they clear us to dock. And your shots have to look convincing.” She tells him. “Power up those shields, princess. I’ll put on a good show.” Fett said. “Watch out for those deck cannons.” Bo-Katan warns. “Don’t worry about me. Just be careful in there.” Fett said.
“Exiting hyperspace in three, two, one…” Koska said and they exit out of hyperspace. Immediately, the Slave I starts firing at the shuttle as they make their way to the cruiser.
“This is Lambda shuttle, Two-Seven-Four-Three. Requesting emergency docking.” Bo-Katan said through the comms to the cruiser, doing her best to sound panicked and scared. Fett did his best not to hit the shuttle but it did look very convincing that the shuttle was getting attack. “Repeat, requesting emergency docking. We are under attack.” Bo-Katan said again.
“Copy, Lambda shuttle. Request received. Stay cleat of launch tube. Deploying fighter squadron. ” A woman’s voice said and everyone gives nervous glances at one another.
Seconds later, TIE fighters deploy and starting coming straight at Fett but Bo-Katan let the shuttle stay its course, almost hitting one TIE Fighter, who pulled out of the way. “Request denied! Please clear launch tube until fighters deploy!” The woman’s voice said. “Negative! Negative! We’ll are under attack!” Bo-Katan shouts, panicked, again.
Then the TIE fighters get behind Fett and start firing at him. “Clear launch tube immediately!” The woman said but the shuttle stayed its course. Once it got close to the hangar, Fett steered off to the right and flew away as the TIE fighters chase after him.
“Hang on!” Fennec shouts and Cara grabs some panels above her while Din grabs onto the back of Fennec’s chair with one hand and pulls (y/n) to his side with the other as Bo-Katan has the shuttle land in the hangar, roughly. Fett was about to dodge some shots from the cruiser then he blasts the TIE fighters that chased him then took off into hyperspace.
Once it stops, the shuttle doors open and smoke started to pool out as the troopers started running toward it. “Clear the launch tube! What are you doing? Get that thing out of here!” One trooper shouts as he and another trooper run towards the shuttle.
But then they and a few more troopers were shot and killed by Fennec, Cara, Bo-Katan and Koska and they clear them out then head off.
Meanwhile, Din and (y/n) were inside the shuttle waiting for them to make a clearing. (Y/n) breathes in through her nose then let’s it out through her mouth as she calms her nerves. Din turns to her and could see she looked a bit worried, so he reaches out and takes her hand in his.
She raises her head to him as he squeezes her hand then he leans in and gives a Keldabe kiss. She smiles at him then they let go of each other’s hand, pull out their blasters and start to, slowly and cautiously, walk out. They look around and see the troopers dead before they start to make their way deeper into the cruiser.
They walked down a hallway then come up to a doorway to another hall. They lean back as Din looks around. He gestures to (y/n) to follow him and they start to walk in the hall when they heard a Stormtrooper voice say. “We’re heading to the bridge now.”
Din grabs her hand and pulls her to the side, they duck down and hide as a couple of Stormtroopers run past them, not seeing them. They walk out of their hiding spot and make their way to where Grogu was being held.
Moments later, they heard a droid talk in an alien language and they hid back as it passed. They start to walk into the hallway but ducked back when they saw some Stormtroopers running down the hall and continued on.
They turned a corner as they heard alarms blaring and (y/n) pulls out the code cylinder from her pocket. But as they got closer to the holding bay for the DarkTroopers, it started to open. “No. No!” Din growls as they run to the console and (y/n) sticks the cylinder in and turns it, making the doors close.
But just as it started to close, one Darktrooper grabbed the doors and forced it open then punched Din, knocking him back a few feet. The Darktrooper made it through the door, which closed behind it, and grabbed (y/n) tossed her aside like a rag doll. Din fires at the trooper and it turned its attention on him.
It didn’t seemed fazed by Din’s blaster and it grabs his wrist and twist his blaster out of his hand then grabs him by the neck and holds him up, pulling back its other fist. It begins to punch Din in the face but it hardly made a dent in his beskar helmet.
Then some blaster shots hit the back of the Darktrooper, which made it turn around. It sees (y/n) behind it, firing her blaster at it, and it let’s got of Din and goes after her. She fires at it a few more times but like before it wasn’t bothered by the shots.
She goes and holds out her left hand before it got close to her and it stopped then struggled to get to her, like an invisible shield was in front of her. She concentrated so hard on keeping the trooper back at bay but then she started to feel drained.
At that moment, Din turns on his flamethrower and shoots fire at the trooper. The trooper slowly turns to him then grabs Din and tosses him aside as (y/n) falls to her knees. The other Darktroopers started punching at the glass on the door and (y/n) turns to it, then gets the energy to get up and go towards the console.
The trooper, realizing what she’s doing, goes towards her and made a grab for her but before it could do that Din activates his whistling bird and the little missiles hit it.
The droid turns back to Din and stomps towards him. (Y/n) gets to the console, grabs the lever and pulls it down just as Din dodges an oncoming attack by the Darktrooper then grabs his beskar spear and stabs it underneath it’s neck area, through the roof of its head.
As (y/n) pulls the lever, the back door of the launching bay opens and the Darktroopers are sucked out and released into space. She falls to her knees and Din comes up to her. “Hey, you okay?” He asked her, worried. “Yeah…yeah…just…I just need a moment.” She said, breathless, and he places his hands on her shoulders.
She sits there for a few seconds before she starts to get up on her feet, Din helps her up and has her face him. She looks up at him then nods. “I’m okay. Keep going.” She said and they start to head off again.
They take a few turns until they see two Stormtroopers guarding the brig. (Y/n) grabs her beskar spear and throws it at the one trooper father from them as Din grabbed the other one. He holds the trooper in front of him and held the spear up the trooper’s neck, choking him, until he twists a bit and breaks the trooper’s neck. (Y/n) grabbed her spear out of the second trooper’s chest.
She places the cylinder into the console and presses a button, making the doors open, as they pull out their blasters. Inside was Grogu, handcuffed, and Moff Gideon standing next to him, holding the Darksaber.
The two hunters were taken aback by this as Grogu coos at them. They hold up their blasters at Gideon. “Drop your blasters. Slowly.” Gideon ordered the duo as he holds the saber over the Child.
The two do as they’re told and laid down their guns on the floor. “Now kick them over to me.” Gideon said and they do just that. “Very nice.” said Gideon. “Give us the kid.” (Y/n) said, firmly. “The kid is just fine where he is.” He said and he waves the saber over Grogu’s head.
“Mesmerizing, isn’t it? Used to belong to Bo-Katan.” Gideon said as he holds up the saber and the two just give him a look. “Yes. I know you two have been traveling with Bo-Katan. A friendly piece of advice, assume that I know everything. Like the fact that your wrist launcher has fired its one and only salvo.” Gideon said as he nods towards Din.
“Where is this going?” Din asked him, annoyed. “This is where it’s going. I’m guessing Bo-Katan and her boarding party have arrived at the bridge, seeking me or, more accurately, this.” Gideon said as he holds up the saber.
“But I’m not there. And I imagine that they’ve killed everyone on the bridge, being the murderous savaged that they are. And now, they’re beginning to panic. You see, she wants this. Do you know why? Because it brings power. Whoever wields this sword…has the right to lay claim to the Mandalorian throne.” Gideon explains. “You keep it. We just want the kid.” (Y/n) said and Gideon looks the two over for a moment.
“Very well.” He said and the blade of the saber disappears. “I’ve already got what I want from him. His blood. All I wanted was to study his blood. This Child is extremely gifted…and has been blessed with rare properties that have the potential to bring order back to the galaxy.” Gideon said.
Grogu looks up at his two protectors as they look back at him, Gideon takes notice. “I see your bond with him. Take him, but you two will leave my ship immediately and we will go out separate ways.” Gideon said to them.
I don’t like this. Something's not right. (y/n) thought as she and Din, cautiously and slowly, walk to Grogu while Gideon walks around the two. He stands still the turns slightly as Din and (y/n) go up to Grogu. The Child holds his arms out to them when (y/n) sensed something.
She turned around just as Gideon turns on the Darksaber and goes to attack them. She pushes Din aside to protect him, turns her beskar shield on and blocked the attacks. Gideon repeatedly hacks at her but she uses the shields to protect the blows as they make their way outside of the brig.
Din comes up behind him and goes to attack but he turns and swings the saber Din’s way, who raises up his gauntlets to block the blows. The three of them have a bit of a stand still as Gideon looks between the two, holding the saber up. (Y/n) retracts the shields as her and Din pull out their beskar staff and began a three way fight between them.
Gideon would quickly block any blows the two would throw at him. He would block or swing the saber at either of them as quickly as he could. At one point, he went to attack (y/n) and she holds up her staff to block the blade of the saber then moved her hand towards Gideon, which made him stumble back by an unknown source.
He looks at her a bit shocked but with intrigue. “Interesting.” He mutters, with a smile, and he was about to attack her until Din uses his grappling cord and wraps it around Gideon. Gideon turns to Din then used the saber to cut the grappling cord and starts slashing at him.
Din blocks it with the staff and at one point back kicks the staff to block another blow just as (y/n) comes up and swings her staff at Gideon, hitting him on his side. Gideon turns to her then raises the saber on her but she activates her shields to block it.
He kept hitting her shield with the saber, which made her lower her arms inch by inch, then he uses the butt end of the saber and hits her across the face, making her fall back. She felt dazed at this as he goes to kill her but Din, quickly, stands in front of her and blocks Gideon’s attack.
Din pushes Gideon back and hits him a few times with the staff and knocked the Darksaber out of his hands then knocked him down to the ground. Then he aims the spear at Gideon but doesn’t kill him as (y/n) shakes her head and gets up.
“You’re sparing my life?” Gideon asked, smiling, at Din. “Well, this should be interesting.”
Up at the bridge, Bo-Katan stands in front of the window and tries to think what to do next when the door opens. She and the others turn to see Gideon, cuffed, and (y/n) holding her blaster towards Gideon while Din held Grogu in one arm and the Darksaber in his other hand. They lead Gideon in the room while Bo-Katan seemed stunned at what she was seeing.
“What happened?” She asked as she comes up to the duo just as the door closes behind them. “They brought him alive, that’s what happened. And now the New Republic’s gonna have to double the payment.” Cara said, smiling at her friends.
“That’s not what she’s talking about.” Gideon said and he turns and smiles a gloating smile at Bo-Katan. “Why don’t you kill him now and take it?” He asked her and Cara shoves him down to the floor as (y/n) holsters her blaster. Gideon chuckles and looks up at Din.
“It’s yours now.” He said.
“What is?” Din asked.
“The Darksaber. It belongs to you.” Gideon said as Din turns the saber off and walks up to Bo-Katan and holds it out to her. “Now…it belongs to her.” Din said but Bo-Katan doesn’t accept it, just looks at it with disappointment. “She can’t take it. It must be won in battle. In order for her to wield the Darksaber again, she would need to defeat you in combat.” Gideon explained and (y/n) furrows her brow at this as Din looks up at Bo-Katan.
“I yield. It’s yours.” He said to her.
“Oh, no.” Gideon chuckles. “It doesn’t work that way. The Darksaber doesn’t have power. The story does. Without that blade, she’s a pretender to the throne.” He explains as he stands back up. “He’s right.” Bo-Katan whispers. “Come on, just take it.” Din pleads, exasperated, as (y/n) glares at Gideon.
“You planned this, didn’t you?” She growls at him. Gideon turns to her, smiles and chuckles. “And what makes you think that?” He asked. She starts to charge at him but then alarms go off.
“Well, perhaps, she’ll get another crack at it.” Gideon said as Fennec goes to one of the scanners. “The ray shields have been breached. We’re being boarded.” said Fennec. “How many life forms?” Bo-Katan asked and Fennec turns to her. “None.” She said.
“You’re about to face off with the dark troopers.” Gideon said then he turns to Din and (y/n). “You two had your hands full with one. Let’s see how you do against a platoon.” He said, smirking.
Bo-Katan and Koska look at the cameras and see the dark troopers marching their way towards the bridge. “They’re headed this way.” Bo-Katan said and Cara grabs Gideon and shoves him down as she walks up to Bo-Katan.
Din goes over to the other side of the room and sets Grogu down, (y/n) standing next to him. “Don’t worry, kid. We’re gonna get you out of here.” He said and pats the top of Grogu’s head then gets up as (y/n) kneels down to Grogu
She gives him a small smile then ran her thumb gently over his head before she gets up. “Seal the blast doors!” Fennec orders and Koska slams her fist down on a button and a second pair of doors cover the main doors.
“They’re here.” Koska said as she grabs her helmet and her and Bo-Katan put their helmets on and everyone pulls out their weapons. Seconds later, the Dark Troopers began punching at the doors and everyone readies their guns while Gideon smirks.
“You have an impressive fire team protecting you. But I think we all know, after a valiant stand, everyone in this room will be dead…but me…and the Child.” Gideon said as he glares over at Din and (y/n).
The Dark troopers continued to punch at the door, making a dent in the door. Everyone steadies themselves and aims their gun, getting ready for the fight. Din and (y/n) look at each other for a moment and then Din whispers. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum."
(Y/n) let’s out a small sob then mouths back I love you, toobefore they look back at the door and aim their blasters at the door but go to hold each other’s hand with their free hand.
But then the alarm goes off and everyone looks out the window and sees an X-Wing come flying in. "An X-Wing.” Bo-Katan said as she goes to the comms. “One X-Wing? Great. We’re saved.” Cara said, sarcastically. “Incoming craft, identity yourself.” Bo-Katan said through the comms but no response.
At that moment, (y/n) sensed something huge. Something powerful. She let’s go of Din’s hand and places her hand on her chest as it did feel a bit overwhelming, Grogu raises his head as he sensed the power as well.
“(Y/n)?” Din asked her, worried, and he places a hand on her shoulder as she looks down at the floor.
The Dark Troopers seemed to sense this newcomer as well as they stop punching the door. “Why did they stop?” Fennec asked while Bo-Katan looks at the security cameras and see the Dark troopers turning the other way.
“Din…I-I think…I think it’s him.” She whispers to him. “Him?” Din asked, quietly, then she raises her head. “The Jedi.” She whispers just as Bo-Katan sees a cloaked figure walking down a hallway. She switches to another camera and sees the troopers attacking the figure but the figure had pulled out a lightsaber and began slicing at the droids like they were nothing.
“A Jedi?” Bo-Katan mutters and Gideon looks at this, terrified. The Jedi sliced, stabbed and used the Force to take out the troopers as he made his way closer to the bridge.
Gideon then grabbed a blaster, he was hiding, and shoots at Bo-Katan several times, making her fall back, then he goes to shoot Grogu but Din slides in front of him as Gideon fires, hitting Din’s beskar armor. (Y/n), feeling anger, moved her arm, quickly, and Gideon falls backwards, by the Force, and hits his head against the table.
Everyone stopped and stared at (y/n), who looks between them. “It’s a long story.” She replied to their shocked faces. Cara kneels down to Gideon and checks his pulse. “He’s still alive.” She tells them and Grogu goes over to the screen as the Jedi takes out more troopers then heads into the elevator.
Grogu places his claw at the screen and Din gets up as (y/n) kneels down and watches the Jedi get off the elevator and just destroying the troopers with ease. (Y/n) couldn’t help but be in awe at what she was seeing. Were you once like this, Father? she thought to herself.
After all the troopers were dead, the Jedi turns to the doors. Grogu looks up at his protector then points towards the door. Din picks him up as (y/n) turns to the others. “Open the doors.” She said as they walk towards another table but nobody moved. “She said, open the doors.” Din said, firmly.
“Are you two crazy?” Fennec asked and Din sets the Child down on a chair then presses a button. The door opens and they couldn’t see anything but a long green light. Then the cloaked figure walks up, turns off his lightsaber and holsters it.
He takes off his hood to reveal a young man with sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. “Are you a Jedi?” (Y/n) asked him as Grogu peers from behind the chair. “I am.” He said then he looks over at Grogu and holds a hand out to him. “Come, little one.” The Jedi said, calmly. Grogu looks at him then up at Din and (y/n).
“He doesn’t want to go with you.” Din said to the Jedi, who turns to him. “He wants both of your permissions. He is strong with the Force, but talent without training is nothing. I will give my life to protect the Child…but he will not be safe until he masters his abilities.” The Jedi said and Din turns and picks Grogu up.
“Hey, go on. That’s who you belong with. He’s one of your kind.” Din tells Grogu and (y/n) begins to tear up. She goes to stand next to Din and looks at Grogu, who looks between the two. “We’ll see you again. We promise.” (Y/n) said, softly, and Grogu looks over to Din then places a claw on his helmet.
Understanding what he wanted, Din goes and removes his helmet as he looks at the little guy. (Y/n) smiles as a tear runs down her face while Grogu stares at Din then places a little claw on his face. Din closes his eyes for a moment then looks back at Grogu with a smirk.
Then Grogu turns and reaches out for (y/n). Din hands him over to her and she takes Grogu in her arms. “Hey, buddy.” She whispers as he looks at her. She then sensed his appreciation for her and the care he held for her and Din, which made her smile at him.
“I sense your connection with the Force as well.” The Jedi said and (y/n) raises her head towards him. “It might not be strong now but with more training…it can be. I can offer that to you as well. That is…if you want.” said the Jedi and (y/n) stares at him from a moment then at Grogu.
On the one hand, she could learn more about her abilities and find out what else she could do. Learn more about her father. And spend some time with Grogu since he was the one who had awakened these senses.
But then she looked over at Din, who stared at her before he darts his eyes away. She couldn’t bare to leave Din behind, not after everything they went through when they were young and just recently. She couldn’t abandoned the man she loves. Her heart ached just thinking about it.
She sighs as she looks back at Grogu then up to the Jedi. “As much as I would love to know more about my abilities, I’d rather you’d focus more on the Child. He’s young and has much more of a chance than I do. But…like my father before me, I have a place with someone.” She replied and she lowers one of her hands and takes Din’s hand in hers.
He looks over at her, shocked. He had stood there for the last few seconds, worrying that now two people that were important to him were gonna leave. He was already preparing for the heartbreak whenever she says she’ll go. He loves her and wants her around but if she decided that she wanted to go, he wasn’t going to stop her.
But when she said she wanted to stay with him, his heart leapt with joy, and it took every fiber of his being not to pull her in for a kiss.
The Jedi nods slightly at (y/n) and said. “I understand.”
(Y/n) looks down at Grogu and gives a small smile. “I’m sorry, buddy. I can’t come. I mean, somebody’s got to watch him.” (Y/n) said as she nods towards Din, which made Grogu coo at this. Then (y/n) goes and takes off her necklace and holds it out to Grogu.
“This was given to me by my father and it always brought me luck. But now…I pass it in to you.” She said and she places the necklace around Grogu. “Take care of it, okay?” She said and Grogu looks at her then he touches her face, and suddenly (y/n) lets out a soft, yet surprising, gasp. She looks at the Child as he gave her a bright smile. (Y/n) tearfully smiles back at him and kisses his forehead.
“All right, pal. It’s time to go.” Din tells him and Grogu looks over at him and whines. “Don’t be afraid.” (Y/n) said, softly, then she goes and sets him down on the floor. She stands back up and let’s out a shaky breath as Din places an arm around her.
Then both of them felt something on their feet, they look down and see Grogu had one hand on Din’s leg and the other on her leg.. he looks up at them like he wanted to stay until an R2 unit droid comes up and beeps.
Grogu turns and walks to the droid and it seemed like they were communicating with each other as the droid beeped and Grogu coos at it. The Jedi watches this interaction for a moment then looks up at the two hunters and nods. They nod back as Grogu raises his arms out to the Jedi, who bends down and picks him up.
“May the Force be with you.” The Jedi said and he turns around and walks away while Grogu stares at his protectors over the Jedi’s shoulder. Tears started to fall, silently, down (y/n)’s face as she wraps her right arm around Din’s waist and he places his left arm around her shoulders.
“Did he say anything to you? I..I noticed the way you two stared at each other, it was like with him and Ashoka.” Din asked (y/n), quietly, and (y/n) sniffs at this. “When he touched my cheek, I could hear his thoughts. He said…he’ll never forget us.” She whispered to him and Din smirks a bit. “He also said something else.”
“What else did he say?” Din asked her, a curious look shadowed his face. She looks up at him just as the Jedi and the droid get inside the elevator. “I love you, mom and dad." she said and they stare, lovingly, at each other before they look back at Grogu.
He looks at the two as (y/n) leans her head against Din’s chest and he leans his head against her, both of them giving a sad smile towards him. And at that moment, as Grogu takes one last look at his parents, the elevator door shuts.
At the Karthon Chop Fields, the prisoners were working on all of the large scrap metals that surrounded them when a guard droid comes up to one of them. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven.” The droid said as he goes up to Mayfeld, who doesn’t respond.
“Inmate three-four-six-six-seven.” The droid said and Mayfeld groans. “What? What?” Mayfeld asked, annoyed, as he turns to the droid, raising the goggles to his forehead. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, descend and receive new instructions.” The droid said and Mayfeld puts down his drill, climbs down and walks towards the droid.
“Can’t you see I’m busy?” He asked as he gestures at the scrap pile behind him. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, please salute Marshal Dune.” The droid said and Mayfeld looks over and sees Cara walking up to him.
“I remand prisoner number three-four-six-six-seven to my custody.” Cara said to the droid. “Affirmative.” The droid said to her before turning to Mayfeld. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, please follow Marshal Dune to transport.” He said and Cara turns and walks off.
“Somebody gonna tell me what’s going on?” Mayfeld asked the droid. “Let’s go! I’ve got a job for you.” Cara said as she continues to walk. Then the ankle restraint on Mayfeld’s leg comes off and he looks down at it, shocked. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, please follow Marshal Dune.” The droid ordered but Mayfeld doesn’t move.
“Wait, where is she takin’ me?” He asked. “Inmate three-four-six-six-seven, you have three seconds to comply with your new directive.” The droid threatens as he holds up his baton, which starts to electrify. “Okay! All right, all right.” Mayfeld said, jumping back, then he goes to follow Cara.
“Hey! You gonna tell me where you’re takin' me?” Mayfeld asked Cara as he catches up with her but she doesn’t answer. “Hello? I mean, it’s a common courtesy, a common courtesy to tell somebody where it is that you’re takin’ ‘em. I don’t think that’s so hard to ask, do you?” Mayfeld said as they come up to the Slave I and Fennec and Fett, now with his armor buffed out and cleaned, walk out of the ship.
Mayfeld stopped for a second once he saw the two then let out a sigh of relief. “Oh. You know, for a second, I thought you two were this other couple.” He said with a smile of relief just as Din and (y/n) walk out of the ship.
He looks up and his smile fades once he sees them. “Mayfeld.” Din greets once he and (y/n) walk up to him. “Hey, Mando. Long time.” Mayfeld said as he smiles, nervously. “What, you and your friend came here to kill me?” Mayfeld asked him.
“All you need to know is I bent a lot of rules to bring you along.” Cara said. “Why am I so lucky?” Mayfeld asked her. “Because you’re Imperial.” She replied. “Hey, that was a long time ago, all right?” Mayfeld said. “But you still know your Imperial clearances and protocols, don’t you?” (Y/n) asked him. Mayfeld looks at them, shocked, just as the group turns and heads into the ship, he soon follows suit.
“We need coordinates for Moff Gideon’s cruiser.” Din informs Mayfeld once they get seated inside the ship. “Moff Gideon?” Mayfeld asked before he scoffs. “Yeah, forget it. Just take me back to the scrapyard. I’m not doin’ that.” Mayfeld said and Cara rolls her eyes. “They have their kid.” Cara said as she nods towards Din and (y/n).
“The little green guy?” Mayfeld asked, taken aback. “Yeah. The little green guy.” Cara confirms. “So…I help you guys get him back, you guys let me go?” Mayfeld asked as he looks between Din, (y/n) and Cara. “That’s not how this works.” Cara said.
“Well, then what’s in it for me?” Mayfeld asked. “You get a better view.” Cara said and Mayfeld sighs as he thinks for a moment. “All right, but here’s the thing. I can’t get those coordinates unless I have access to an internal Imperial terminal. I believe there’s one on Morak.” He said.
“Morak? There’s nothing on Morak.” Din said. “It’s a secret Imperial mining hub, okay? If you can get me there, I can get you the coordinates.” Mayfeld said and everyone shares a look before Din reaches over to the console and presses a button. “Fett, punch in the coordinates to Morak.” He said. “Copy that.” Fett said as he does just that and the ship takes off.
“I did an initial scan of the planet. This is what you’re talking about, right?” Fett asked as he shows a hologram map of Morak to everyone. Then he zooms in on what looked like a large dam. “Yeah, that’s the refinery right there.” Mayfeld said as he nods. “Wonder what they’re refining in there.” Fennec mutters. “Looks like rhydonium. Highly volatile and explosive.” Fett said.
“Yeah, kinds like this one, huh.” Mayfeld chuckles and Fett turns to him with a stern look, making the smile disappear off of Mayfeld’s face. “They have anti-aircraft cannons protecting it.” Fett said once he turns back to the map. “And a platoon of security forces.” Fennec adds.
“So we go in quiet. Let’s go get a closer look.” Din said and Fett nods and he steers the ship into Morak.
“I’m not gonna need long inside, so once I get the coordinates, you guys gotta get me the hell out of there.” Mayfeld said. They had landed on a nearby spot and watched a large tank-like vehicle had drove by in the dirt road below them.
“You get to the roof. I’ll drop in and pull you out.” Fett said. All right. Mayfeld and I will swap out for the drivers in the tunnel.“ Cara said. "As much as I’d like to take a road trip with Rebel-dropper here, that’s not gonna work.” Mayfeld said. “Oh yeah? Why’s that?” Cara asked him.
“Well, because these Remnant bases are set up and run by ex-ISB. If you get scanned and your genetic signature shows up on any New Republic register, you’re gonna be detected, and it’s guns out.” Mayfeld informs. “You sure do know a lot about Imperial Remnants.” Cara said, suspiciously.
“Hey, if you wanna accuse me of something, then just say it.” Mayfeld snapped at her. “We don’t have time. Fennec will go.” Din said. “No, I’m wanted by the ISB. I’ll trip the alarm, too.” Fennec said and Mayfeld raises his hands up in exasperation. “Fett?” (Y/n) asked as she turns to Fett. “Let’s just say they might recognize my face.” Fett said.
“Great, so it’s me goin’ in alone.” Mayfeld grumbles. “No way. The minute he gets inside, he’ll tip 'em off. He’ll be a hero.” Cara said. “Hey. This wasn’t my idea. I’m doin’ you guys a favor.” Mayfeld argues. “Deal’s off. I’m takin’ him back.” Cara said.
“Then I’ll go.” (Y/n) said.
“I’ll come too.” Din said and (y/n) turns her head to him.
“Hey, buddy, I’m might be good at fast-talking, but I don’t think I can explain away a guy in a Mando suit to Imperial guards. So, unless you’re gonna take off that helmet, or let your friend go alone with me, it’s gonna be me goin’ in alone. Or say goodbye to your little green friend.” Mayfeld said. “You’re not going alone. I’m coming with you. But I won’t be showing my face.” Din said.
Another large tank vehicle starts to make its way through a tunnel when Cara, Din, Mayfeld and (y/n) jumped on top of the vehicle. They get to the entrance hole and Cara drops in it and takes out the three guards that were inside and slows the vehicle down to a stop.
“Oh my God, this guy reeked. His gloves are still wet.” Mayfeld groans as he puts on one of the guards armor while Cara kept as lookout. Then (y/n) comes up from around the vehicle, now in the new armor, and started to put the helmet on her head, holding a duffle bag, just as Din comes around the corner wearing the Stormtrooper armor as well, also carrying a duffle bag.
“Look at this. Oh, the shame.” Mayfeld laughs as he looks at Din. “Now, that right there is worth the price of admission.” Mayfeld said. “Wish I could say it looked good on you, but I’d be lying.” Cara jokes. “Just make sure you take out the rooftop gunners, or we’re never getting out of here.” Din said. “I got you.” Cara said then Din and (y/n) set the bags down.
“Take care of these. Keep 'em safe.” (Y/n) said. “I will.” Cara said. “Hey, guys. Still on the clock.” Mayfeld said and Din and (y/n) make their way towards the entrance of the vehicle. “What would they say on Mandalore?” Mayfeld teased Din before he looks over at (y/n). “First time I’ve seen you wear a helmet. Gotta say, you’re prettier without the helmet.” Mayfeld said but (y/n) ignores him while Din clenched his fist for a moment.
“It’s a shame you’re not comin’ along with us. You got such a sunny disposition. Can’t imagine how much fun you are in one of these.” Mayfeld said to Cara as he gets inside the tank and puts on his own helmet.
Din gets inside of the tank then helps (y/n) in as Mayfeld looks around the console. “What’s goin’ on here? Power coil, motivator…Oh, there we…” Mayfeld mutters and he pushes some buttons and the engine starts to come on. “Ah, there we go. There we go!” Mayfeld exclaims as Din gets into the seat next to him and (y/n) takes the seat that was against the wall.
“And we are off.” Mayfeld said as he pushes a lever up and the tank starts to take off. Then Mayfeld looks over at Din. “So how’s it feel? Huh?” Mayfeld asked him but Din doesn’t respond. “I mean, c'mon, man, you still get to wear a helmet, right?” He asked but Din still doesn’t respond while (y/n) looks between them.
“All right, you know what? I’m takin’ this thing off. I can’t see anything.” Mayfeld said as he takes off his helmet then he looks over at (y/n). “Why don’t you go ahead and take yours off, sweetheart.” He said. “If I’m as pretty as you say I am, then I better not. Don’t want you distracted to the point where we crash and burn and die.” (Y/n) snaps and Din holds back a chuckle from this as Mayfeld laughs.
“Oh, haha, very funny, princess.” Mayfeld said. “I don’t know how you people wear those things. And by you people, I do mean Mandalorians.” Mayfeld said but Din shakes his head slightly and they sit in silence for a few moments.
“Feel better when it’s off.” Mayfeld said as he gestures to the helmet but Din turns his head, slowly, towards him as if to say shut up before he looks ahead of him.
“Juggernaut Four, you’re running hot. Be sure to watch your cargo heat limits and speed.” A man’s voice said through the comms. “Copy that, Three. We hit a couple of bumps. Thanks for the heads-up.” Another male voice said just as they started to pass some other tanks that looked like they blew up.
Mayfeld then looks at the console where the heat limits were and could see that it was at the low green. “Don’t worry about the rhydonium. As long as you drive steady, you’ll get us to the refinery.” Din assures Mayfeld just as they come up on a small village with some kids playing on the road.
Mayfeld reaches up and blares the horn and the people started to clear off the road. “Yeah. Empire, New Republic.” Mayfeld said as they pass by the people, who were all glaring at them. “It’s all the same to these people. Invaders on their land is all we are. I’m just sayin’, somewhere someone in this galaxy is ruling and others are being ruled.” said Mayfeld as they pass the village.
“I mean, look at your race. Do you think all those people that died in wars fought by Mandalorians actually had a choice? So how ate they any different than the Empire?” Mayfeld asked but the two hunters don’t respond, which made him scoff.
“If you were born on Mandalore, you believe one thing, if you’re born on Alderaan, you believe somethin’ else. But guess what? Neither one of 'em exist anymore.” Mayfeld said as he looks between the two then shrugs. “Hey, I’m just a realist. I’m a survivor, just like you two.” He said.
“Let’s get one thing straight. We are nothing alike.” Din said, firmly. “I don’t know. Seems to me like your rules start to change when you get desperate. I mean, look at ya. You said you couldn’t take your helmet off, and now you got a Stormtrooper one on, so what’s the rule? Is it that you can’t take off your Mando helmet, or you can’t show your face? 'Cause there is a difference.” Mayfeld points out and (y/n) looks between the two and started to think over what he said.
“Look, I’m just sayin’, we’re all the same. Everybody’s got their lines they don’t cross until things get messy. As far as I’m concerned, if you can make it through your day and still sleep at night, you’re doin’ better than most.” Mayfeld said.
“Control, this is Juggernaut Three. We’re comin’ up on some route interference.” A voice said in the comms when they heard a beeping sound. “Control, control! We need a new….” the voice started to say, panicked, but then he screams and the comms link ends.
“What was that?” Mayfeld asked, worried. “Please stand by for reroute.” A woman’s voice said then seconds later an explosion happens some miles ahead of them. “Juggernaut Four has been destroyed.” The woman’s voice said as (y/n) stands up and walks up to the middle of the men. “Destroyed?” Mayfeld said, panicked. “The rhydonium is still stable.” (Y/n) said.
“Juggernaut Five, maintain speed and course. Proceed with caution. Re-routing course, stand by.” The woman said. “Proceed with caution? Is she serious?” Mayfeld asked, panicking again.
“Control, this is Juggernaut Three. Requesting….” another man’s voice started to say but then it sounded like someone was chanting something, loudly, behind the guy. “Abort! Abort!” The man’s voice before he screams and a second explosion happens ahead of them.
Mayfeld speeds up a bit and steers away to avoid the burning remains of one of the Juggernauts when a small ship comes up next to them with some Alien pirates. One of the pirates jumps on the side, which made Din, Mayfeld and (y/n) look over.
“What the hell was that?” Mayfeld asked and Din looks at the console to see a camera had come on and he could see the Pirates. “Pirates. Keep driving. (Y/n) and I will take care of it.” Din said and he stands up and opens the window and fires at the one that was on the side.
Then a second pirate goes to jump on but Din fires and hits him straight into his chest. “Are you seriously shooting a blaster near rhydonium?” Mayfeld exclaims as (y/n) starts to climb the latter to the hatch on top.
“They’ve got thermal detonators.” Din said. “Terrific.” Mayfeld said, sarcastically. “Just keep it steady.” (Y/n) said as she opens the hatch and sees the pirate on the roof. “Get these guys off of us! Get 'em off!” Mayfeld shouts as the pirate opens a hatch to the rhydonium and pulls out a detonator.
But before he could place it on, (y/n) shoots him and he falls off and the detonator goes off under one of the other pirate’s ship, killing them. Mayfeld goes as fast as he can but had to slow down as the limits were starting to get high.
“They’re trying to blow the rhydonium.” (Y/n) informs. “You think? You should’ve left me in prison!” Mayfeld shouts and (y/n) started to leave and close the hatch but then she noticed more pirates were coming.
She sighs and gets up on the roof. “Need some help, Mando.” She said and he climbs up just as some of the pirates jumped on the tank. The two hunters fire their blasters and kills a few until their blasters ran out of ammo.
The remaining pirates charged at them and the two throw their guns at a couple of them, hitting them in the face. Din fights with one while (y/n) fights another until they kick both of them off, one of them rolls off to the front and gets run over.
Another pirate comes up and grabs (y/n) while another whacks his large spear at Din’s arm, meanwhile another pirate was trying to open the hatch to the rhydonium. (Y/n) kicked then used the back of her head at the pirate’s face and tosses him to the side as Din punches his attacking pirate and tossed him aside as well.
The last pirate was trying to open the hatch but Din grabs the spear and chucks it at the pirate, impaling him and knocking him off. Another ship full of pirates began yelling at the two just as Din turns to the front. “Mayfeld! Pick it up. Drive faster!” He yells and Mayfeld picks up the speed which almost there made the two hunters stumble but they each grab the others hand for balance
Then the alarm about the rhydonium started blaring after speeding for a couple of minutes. “I don’t think faster’s a good idea!” Mayfeld shouts and he slows down, which made them stumble again. “What are you doing?” (Y/n) shouts as the pirates catch up and a few get on the roof.
(Y/n) punches one in the stomach and Din kicks another and grabs the pirate’s staff and used the end of it to hit the pirate in the face. (Y/n) punches and kicks the pirate that attacked her and throws him off just as Din does the same with the other pirate.
Then three more jump on and one starts charging at them with their spear but Din holds out his right arm to (y/n) and she locks her left arm around his and Din brings her around as she raises her feet up and kicks the pirate right in the face, making fall back and drop his spear.
She lands on her feet and they unlocked their arms from each other as more pirates jump on. (Y/n) grabs the spear that one of the pirates dropped and used it on one of the oncoming pirates while another goes after Din.
Din knocks off the pirate but he hangs onto the side while another charges at him and knocks him down. (Y/n) swings the spear around at another pirate then gets down on her knees and swipes the pirates feet which made him fall on his side and (y/n) kicks him off.
She turns around and saw that Din was pinned down by two pirates, one hanging off the side holding down Din’s arm and the other on top of Din and choking him. She runs at the pirate on top of Din and swings the spear like a bat and hits the pirate across the face as Din gets up and kicks the one hanging off the side off of it completely.
(Y/n) punches the pirate a few times then holds her hand out to do something when the pirate was blown back and rolled off on the front and was run over. Surprised, (y/n) looks down at her hand, wondering if she used this Force power that Ashoka told her about until she heard a beeping sound.
Her and Din turn to see a pirate had opened the hatch and placed a detonator on the rhydonium then jumped back on his ship. “Dank farrik!” (Y/n) growls as Din runs towards the hatch, grabs the detonator and throws it and it explodes, killing the remaining pirate ships.
The blast from the explosion blew Din and (y/n) back a couple of feet until (y/n) fell on her back then grunts in pain a second later when Din landed on his back on top of her. “Sorry.” He said. “It’s okay.” She groans as they get close the refinery.
“Uh, Mando, I gotta stop. I can’t cross at this speed.” Mayfeld shouts as (y/n) and Din sit up. But through the smoke about four more pirate ships emerge out and all of them had detonators. “Seriously?” (Y/n) mutters, exasperated, as Din sighs. The ships get closer as Din gets up, holds his hand out to (y/n) and helps her on her feet.
The two get into a stance when some tie-fighters come in and shoot all of the ship and the Juggernaut makes it over the bridge. Then some Stormtroopers come up and shoot the stragglers as Din and (y/n) make it back inside the tank.
“Never thought you’d be happy to see Stormtroopers.” Mayfeld said. “You can say that again.” (Y/n) mutters as she takes off her helmet, takes a breath and wipes the sweat off of her brow.
The troopers and other workers cheer as they make it inside and stop the vehicle. Mayfeld stops the engine and he and the two hunters get out as they are greeted with cheer from the troopers. “Okay. All we gotta do is find a terminal.” Mayfeld said and the trio walk among the cheering crowd and towards this large doorway.
“It’s probably in the officers’ mess.” He whispers and they make it over to the mess hall and Mayfeld glances inside and sees in the far left corner there was a terminal. “There it is.” He whispers to the others. “Good luck.” Din said and Mayfeld goes towards the entrance of the mess hall, stops once he sees someone then turns back around.
“I can’t go in there.” He said. “Why not?” (Y/n) asked, confused. “That’s Valin Hess.” Mayfeld said as he gestures to the man that was sitting in one of the tables to the right. “Who?” Din and (y/n) asked. “It’s Valin Hess. I used to serve under him.” Mayfeld replied.
“Will he recognize you?” Din asked him. “I don’t know. I was just a field operative, but I’m not takin’ the chance. It’s over.” Mayfeld said as he starts to walk off but Din stops him. “Let’s just do this quick and we can get out of here.” He said. “I can’t do it, okay? We have to abort. I’m sorry.” Mayfeld said and he starts to walk off again but Din stops him again.
“No. We can’t. If we don’t get those coordinates, we’ll lose the kid forever.” Din said and Mayfeld shakes his head. “Give me the data stick.” Din said. “It’s not gonna work. In order to access the network, the terminal has to scan your face.” Mayfeld said and (y/n) sighs and was about to speak up until Din said. “Give it to me.” And he takes the data stick and walks off. “What? Di…Mando, No!” (Y/n) whisper shouts at him but he ignores her as he walks on.
Din walks in the mess hall then heads over to the terminal as Mayfeld and (y/n) stay to the side of the doorway. He places the data stick in and it comes on and begins to scan Din but then it blinks red. “Error, error. Facial scan incomplete.” The robotic female voice said and Din, quickly, looks over at Hess then back at the terminal.
“Ten seconds to system shutdown. Ten, nine, eight, seven…” the voice said and Din takes off his helmet, which made (y/n) gasp and her eyes widen. From the angle she was at, all she could see was the back of his head with his slightly curly dark hair. “He did it…” she whispered as Din takes the stick out then presses some buttons and the scanner comes back on and scans his face.
“Facial scan complete.” The robotic voice said and Din puts the data stick back in and presses some more buttons. “Trooper!” Hess calls out but Din ignores him as he continues to get the information of Moff’s cruiser.
Hess then gets up and starts to walk towards Din. “Mayfeld.” (Y/n) whispers to Mayfeld, with worry. Mayfeld looks over to see Hess going to Din then he sighs at this.
“Hey, trooper!” Hess shouts and Din closes his eyes, exasperated, for a moment as the terminal dings. Then he grabs the stick and turns to Hess, which let (y/n) see his face, completely. Her heart leapt at the sight of seeing his face, she knew she shouldn’t look at him but she couldn’t help to look at how handsome he had become.
“You really haven’t seen his face before, have you?” Mayfeld asked. “Not since we were kids.” She replied.
“Pay attention when a superior addresses you.” Hess said to Din. “What’s your designation?” He asked Din. “Transport crew.” Din replied in a soft gruff voice. “What?” Hess asked as if he didn’t understand what he said. “My designation is transport copilot.” Din replied, a bit louder.
“No, son. What’s your TK number?” Hess asked and (y/n) and Mayfeld share a worried look. “My TK number is…” Din said, not sure what to say as Hess watches him then Mayfeld walks in the mess hall, (y/n) following close behind him.
“This is my Commanding Officer TK-593, sir. I’m Imperial Combat Assault Transport Lieutenant TK-111, sir. And this is his is Executive Officer TK-221, sir.” Mayfeld said as he and (y/n) comes up next to Din, (y/n) standing right next to Din and Mayfeld stands next to her.
“I’m afraid you’ll have to either speak up to him a little bit or talk to her to have her translate since his vessel lost pressure in Taanab.” Mayfeld said as Din looks over at them. (Y/n), nervously, glances at him but darted her eyes away from him.
Hess looks back over at Din then asked, loudly. “What’s your name, Officer?” Din looks at him and raises an eyebrow at him then Hess looks at (y/n) as if she held the answers. “We just call him Brown Eyes, sir.” (Y/n) said then she turns to Din, looking into his eyes. “Isn’t that right, Officer?” She asked, loudly, as she tried her best to not sound, nervous, and Din looks at her then nods.
“Let’s go fill out this TPS reports, so we can go recharge the power coils.” Mayfeld said, loudly, and (y/n) grabs Din’s arm and they start to walk away but then Hess speaks up. “You’re not dismissed.”
The trio stop and (y/n) tightens her grip on Din’s arm before they turn around to Hess. “You the tank troopers that delivered the shipment of rhydonium?” Hess asked. “Yes, sir.” Mayfeld and (y/n) said. “Yes, sir.” Din said at a bit of a delay and Hess walks back in front of the trio and looks them over.
“Well, you three managed to be the only transport today to deliver their shipment.” Hes said and the trio started to feel a bit nervous then Hess places one hand on Mayfeld’s shoulder and his other hand on Din’s shoulder. “Come with me, hmmm? Let’s get a drink…” Hess said then he turns to Din. “Brown Eyes.” He chuckles and he walks over to the table.
Mayfeld looks at Din then follows Hess. Din looks over at (y/n), who sensed him staring at her and looks up at him. They share a look and the corner of (y/n)’s lips twitched up a bit before her and Din go over to the table.
“So what shall we toast to, boys and girl?” Hess asked as he pulls out some cups and a bottle of a drink. “I can blather on about To health or To success, but I’d like to do somethin’ a little less rote.” Hess said as he pours the trio a drink then he turns to Din.
“Where you from, Brown Eyes?” Hess asked him but before Din could reply, Mayfeld speaks up. “How 'bout a toast to Operation Cinder?” He asked and Hess smiles. “Now there’s a man who knows his history.” Hess said.
“No, I don’t just know it. I lived it. I was in Burnin Konn.” Mayfeld said as Din and (y/n) look over at him. “Burnin Konn? That was a hard day. I had to make many unpleasant decisions.” Hess said. “Yes, you did. Entire city gone in moments, along with everybody in it. We lost our whole division that day. Man, that was like 5-10,000 people.” Mayfeld said.
“Yep.” Hess mutters. “All heroes of the Empire.”
“Yeah. And all dead.” Mayfeld sneered.
“Well, it’s a small sacrifice for the greater good, son.” Hess said as (y/n) and Din both shake their heads at Mayfeld to not do anything stupid.
“Depends on who you ask, don’t you think?” Mayfeld asked. “What you gettin’ at, trooper?” Hess asked, smiling. “All those people, the ones who died, was it good for them? Hmm? Their families? The guys I served with? Civilians, those poor mud scuffers, died defendin’ their homes, fighting for freedom. Was it good for 'em?” Mayfeld asked Hess and Din and (y/n) turn their heads to Hess.
“But we’ve outlasted them, son. They’re eatin’ themselves alive. The New Republic is in complete disarray, and we grow stronger. You see, with the rhydonium you’ve delivered, we can create havoc that’s gonna make Burnin Konn just pale by comparison. And then they’re gonna turn to us once again.” Hess said and Mayfeld looks down, bites his lips then nods with understanding.
Hess then leans forward and clasps his hands together as he looks at Mayfeld. “You see, everybody thinks they want freedom, but what they really want is order. And when they realize that, they’re gonna welcome us back with open arms.” Hess said, smiling, then he grabs his cup and raises it.
“To the Empire.” Hess said. Mayfeld chuckles softly, then pulls out his blaster and shoots Hess straight in the chest. Din and (y/n) were taken aback by this then looked over at Mayfeld, shocked.
They look around as other troopers saw this as well. Before anyone could do anything, Mayfeld shoots the ones in the hall while Din goes over to Hess, takes his blaster and shoots at one Mayfeld missed while (y/n) ducks.
Then the hunters look over Mayfeld, who reached over and grabs Din’s helmet. “You did what you had to do.” He said and hands the helmet to Din. “I never saw your face.” He said and he turns his head away as Din looks down at the helmet then over at (y/n).
She stares into his brown eyes for one more moment then runs her eyes over his face before she smirks and winks at him. At that moment, she walks off to one of the dead troopers and grabs a blaster from them while Din takes the helmet and puts it on.
“Security to main commons.” A voice over the speaker said as more troopers come in. The trio began to fire at them then Mayfeld turns to the windows. “This way!” He shouts and they jump on the edge. “Ready? Go!” Din tells them and the trio kick one of the blinds back and kept firing at the oncoming threat.
They duck under some blinds then make it over on the side. Some troopers started to come out but Fennec and Cara shot at the ones the trio couldn’t get to as the trio get to the top. “C'mom, let’s move, boys.” (Y/n) said as they climbed up on a ladder. "What the hell you think I’m doin’?“ Mayfeld gripes as they get to the roof and see the Slave I coming.
They run across the roof and shoot at the oncoming troopers as the ship flies over them then stops on the other side of the roof and opens the hangar to them. They jump on the ship and it starts to take off.
"Hand me that cycler rifle.” Mayfeld said and (y/n) hands it to him. Mayfeld steady his aims on one of the Juggernauts then fires at it, causing an explosion. Then he turns to the two. “We all need to sleep at night.” He said to then and he walks off while Din and (y/n) share a look before they go in deeper of the ship and the hangar door shuts.
Fett’s radar beeps and he looks down to see that some tie-fighters were following him. “We got company. Hang on.” Fett tells the trio as they get into their seats. He steers a hard left then he flips a switch and drops a bomb on them and he takes off.
Later, Fennec and Cara come up to the Slave I after it landed and see Mayfeld walking out with Din and (y/n), who were back to wearing their normal armor. “Well, looks like it’s back to the scrap heap.” Mayfeld grumbles as Fennec goes into the ship.
“Thank you for helping.” Din said, appreciatively. “Yeah.” Mayfeld mutters. “Uh, good luck gettin’ your kid back.” He said to the hunters then he turns to Cara. “All right, Officer, take me back.” he said as he holds his arms out. “That was some nice shootin’ back there.” She compliments. “Oh, you saw that? Yeah, that, uh, that wasn’t part of the plan. I was just gettin’ some stuff off my chest.” He said and Cara shakes her head then turns to Din and (y/n).
“You know, it’s too bad Mayfeld didn’t make it not alive back there.” She said. “Yeah, too bad.” Din said as (y/n) nods. “What are you talkin’ about?” Mayfeld asked, confused. “Looked to me like prisoner number three-four-six-six-seven died in the refinery explosion on Morak.” Cara said and Mayfeld looks between them.
“Does that mean I can go? Huh? Cause I will.” Mayfeld said and (y/n) gestures for him to go. “All right.” He said as he starts to walk away. “You get the coordinates on Moff Gideon?” Cara asked Din and (y/n). “We did.” Din replied. “What’s our next move?” She asked and Din and (y/n) share a look.
“Sir, you should see this.” An Imperial officer said to Moff once she arrived on the deck. She turns to the table and switches on a full body hologram of Din and (y/n). “Moff Gideon. You have something we want. You may think you have some idea what you are in possession of, but you do not. Soon, he will be back with us. He means more to us than you will ever know.” Din threatens as (y/n) stood next to him, her arms folded across her chest.
Moff Gideon glares at the two until the hologram message ends and looks down as he decides on his next plan.
Back at the Slave I, (y/n) was sitting in a seat by herself, looking down at her hands, when Din walks in then turns to Fennec and Cara, who were standing nearby. “Can you give us a moment?” He asked them. They nod and leave the two hunters alone as Din walks up to her.
She raises her head at him and frowns slightly. “I know what you’re gonna say.” She said and Din tilts his head at her. “You’re gonna go on about how you broke the Creed and Mayfeld and I shouldn’t have seen your face. Get all grumpy about it but…you did what you had to do.” (Y/n) said and Din looks at her.
“Plus you didn’t give me enough time to speak up and say I’d go.” She said. “I’m not mad about that.” Din replied and (y/n) furrows her brow, confused. “I’m just…upset that I didn’t get to show you my face on my own term.” He replied and her eyes widen at this. “Your own term? Y-You mean…?” She started to ask and Din nods.
“I was wanting to show you after we were done with all of this.” He said. “Why?” (Y/n) asked, confused. “Because I care about you.” Din said and he takes her hands and then placed them on his helmet and guides her fingers underneath the helmet.
“You sure you’re okay with this?” (Y/n) asked him. There was a pause before Din says. “I trust you."
(Y/n) let’s out a breath that was a mixture of a chuckle and a sob before she curls her fingers around the edges of the helmet. It let’s out a hiss and she lifts it up as he sets his arms down his sides.
She slowly lifts it up, first seeing his chin then his lips, where a mustache was adorn above his top lip. Then his nose and his eyes which were staring right at (y/n). Once the helmet was off completely, the bangs of his curly dark hair flopped on his forehead, (y/n) sets the helmet aside then looks back at him.
They stare at each other for a few moments before (y/n) speaks up. "Hi.” She said, softly. “Hey.” He greets back and she smiles then she raises her right hand and places it on his cheek. He closes his eyes at this then raised a hand, placed it over hers then turns his head and kissed the palm of her hand.
He turns his head and opens his brown eyes to her, which made her giggle. “What?” He asked. “Nothing, Commander Brown Eyes.” She teased, making him sigh and roll his eyes at this. (Y/n) removes her hand off of his cheek then placed it on his chest as he cups her face in his hands. He stares at her for a moment before he leans in and kisses her, she kissed him back.
Her hands moved up to his neck then her fingers snaked up into his dark hair as he removes his hands off of her face. He then wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her closer to him, their lips continued to move in sync with each other. They break the kiss for a second as they tilt their heads in the opposite direction and continue on with the kiss, acting like they were making up for lost times.
After a few moments, they stop to catch their breathes and lean their foreheads against each other. “Din…” she whispered, softly, and he smiles at this. He pulls his head back a bit and looks her over again. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.” He said and she smiles at this. “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.” She said and he gives a smile to her.
She turns and grabs his helmet then turns to him. “I really mean it, Din. With or without the helmet.” She said as she holds up his helmet to him. He looks at the helmet then at her before he leans in and gives her a slow, passionate kiss.
After they share the kiss one more time, (y/n) lifts up the helmet and starts to put it back on his head. Once the helmet was back on, (y/n) smiles again at him before she speaks up.
Grogu babbles on as he looks at the little knob. Din and (y/n) both watch him as the Razor Crest gets closer to Tython. “Grogu.” Din said and Grogu looks up at him, which made Din and (y/n) chuckle.
Grogu goes back to looking at the knob when (y/n) said. “Grogu?” And he looks up at her, making the two hunters chuckle again. “Give me the ball.” Din said as he reaches out for it but Grogu pulls away. “Grogu, give him the ball.” (Y/n) said, in a calm but firm voice much like the one she remembered her dad would use on her when she was young and started to misbehave.
Grogu looks between the two then gives the knob to Din, who takes it. The youngling squeals a bit as Din holds the knob up. “Okay, here we go. You can have it, just like before.” Din said and Grogu raises his little claw. “Grogu, come on. You can have it.” Din said and Grogu raises his arms up higher then starts to close his eyes.
Suddenly, the knob flies out of Din’s hand and into Grogu’s. “Dank farrik!” Din exclaimed, proudly, as he slaps his hand on his knee while (y/n) clapped at this. Then Grogu drops the knob down, thinking they were mad at him.
“Hey, no. We’re not mad at you. You did good. We just…” Din said as Grogu looks up at him, curiously. “When the nice lady said you had training, we just…” Din stops as Grogu frowns at this. Din sighs as (y/n) reaches out to Grogu, picks up the knob and gives it to Grogu. “You’re very special, kid. We’re gonna find that place you belong and they’re gonna take real good care of you.” (Y/n) said as Gorgu takes the knob.
She looks down then turns in her seat and looks at her necklace, a mixture of emotions and thoughts were running through her head. Din turns in his seat as well and flips some switches before he looks over at her.
“Are you alright?” Din asks and (y/n) chuckles, dryly. “I don’t know. How would you feel if you just found out you’re Force sensitive?” she asked. Din shrugs but he understands how lost and confused she is feeling. “It must be overwhelming. I mean, that’s how I would feel if I found out about something like that about me.” he said and she sighs.
“When I was a young girl, my father would tell me this story. The story was about a knight working for the kingdom, and he was one of the best warriors. The clan, he fights for, had strict rules for knights like him to live by. One day, while on a mission, he was badly injured…and a woman saved him, and…he committed a crime that no knight should have ever done.” (y/n) recounts.
“What was the crime?” Din asks, not knowing where this is going. (y/n) smiles at him sadly. “He fell in love with that woman.” she replied before she continued on. “He would visit the woman whenever he could without anyone’s suspicion. Later on, his clan found out about it somehow, so they put him on trial, and he was soon punished for his crime of forming an attachment. He was given a choice: cut off the bonds with the woman…or be banished for his crime. The knight made no protest nor had he cared for his title as he leaves the clan without another word. He came to his lover’s home where he declared his love for her. They married shortly after and then came a child of their own. And they live a peaceful and happy life as village farmers.”
She stopped then looked at the necklace again. “I didn’t realize the story was about his life as a Jedi before he cut ties with them just to be with my mother…until now.” She said as a small smile forms on her face.
“You don’t look upset about it.” Din pointed out. “No…but I’m starting to become afraid.“ She said. "Afraid of what?” Din asked. “Now that I found out I’m Force sensitive, I’m scared that that would change everything between us.” She reveals as she turns to look at him before tears form in her eyes and a sob lodged in her throat.
Din reaches out and wipes away the tears from her face with his thumb then takes one of her hands in his free hand and holds it. “Nothing can change how I feel about you. Jedi or not, you’re still you.” Din said and (y/n) gives him a sad smile before there was a noise that broke the moment.
Din turns towards the console, reluctantly, and looks at the map. "This is Tython.” Din said and he looks over his shoulder at Grogu. “That’s where we’re gonna try and find you a Jedi.” He said as Grogu grunts, still looking at the knob. “But you have to agree to go with them if they want you to. Understand?” Din said and Grogu huffs then shrugs a bit.
“Plus, we can’t train you. You’re too powerful and I don’t know the first thing about the Force. Don’t you wanna learn more of that Jedi stuff?” (Y/n) asked and he looks up at her then looks back down at the knob.
“We agreed to take you back to your own kind, so that’s what we need to do. You understand, right?” Din asked him and he looks up with a frown.
They enter the atmosphere of Tython and began to look around for this temple Ashoka mentioned. All they could see was valley’s and hills until they spot something on top of a hill. “Looks like that’s the magic rock we’re supposed to take you to down there.” (Y/n) said and Din steers the ship but couldn’t find a place to land.
“Sorry, buddy. I can’t land on the top. Too small. Looks like we’re gonna have to travel the last stretch with the windows down.” Din tells him.
After finding a place to land, the hunters put on their jetpacks and began to fly towards the temple, Grogu in Din’s arms as he whoops with glee as the wind blows in his face. They land and walk towards this structure that had six large long rocks surrounding this large round rock in the middle of it.
“Well, I guess this is it.” (Y/n) said and they walk closer to the round rock and look around. “Does this look Jedi to you?” Din asked and (y/n) shrugs. They walk up to the boulder and Din begins to place Grogu on top of it. “I guess you sit right here.” He said as he places Grogu on the rock. “Okay. Here we go.” (Y/n) said and they continue to look around but nothing.
They look over at Grogu but he seemed as confused as they were. “This is the seeing stone, are you seeing anything? Or are they supposed to see you?” (Y/n) asked but Grogu coos at this. Din switches the inferred scanner on his helmet and looks around the seeing stone.
“Maybe there’s some kind of control or something.” He said but as he walks around, he didn’t see anything. Then a blue butterfly flaps towards and around Grogu, who tries to reach out for it.
“Oh, come on, kid. Ashoka told us all we had to do was get you here and you’d do the rest.” Din said but then they heard a ship approaching. They look up and see a ship flying horizontally in the sky and this raised up red flags as the two hunters follow where the ship was going.
It started to land when Din and (y/n) turned back to Grogu. “Time’s up, kid. We gotta get out of here.” Din said but as they turned around a blue-white light surrounded Grogu, who looked like he was meditating.
“We don’t have time for this. We got to get…” Din said as he starts to reach out towards Gorgu but was flung back, hitting (y/n) and made both of them fall back. “Sorry.” Din whispered to her as they get up. “It’s okay.” She whispered back before they turn to Grogu.
“Hey! Snap out of it, kid! We got to get out of here!” (Y/n) shouts but Grogu doesn’t move as he continues to meditate. The two hunters turn back towards the new coming ship and Din could see someone was walking out of the ship.
He pulls out his blaster and (y/n) does the same. “We’ll see if we can buy you some time. Can you please hurry up?” Din asked Gorgu then the duo run down the hill and try to find the new comer.
They were a few miles away when, suddenly, they were shot at. Din pulls (y/n) down and ducks behind a large boulder. “I’ve been tracking you and your friend, Mandalorian.” A male voice said. Din and (y/n) raise up to look over the boulder to see a large cloaked figure some feet in front of them.
The two stand up and come out of cover but they keep their blasters aimed at the figure. “Are you Jedi? Or are you after the Child?” (Y/n) asked but the figure said nothing.
Then he pushes his hood off of his head to reveal a bald man with some scars across his face. “I’m here for the armor.” The man said as he walks up to the hunters. “If you want my armor, you’ll have to peel it off my dead body.” Din threatens but the man stops.
“I don’t want your armor. I want my armor that you got from Cobb Vanth back on Tatooine. It belongs to me.” The man said. “Are you Mandalorian?” (Y/n) asked him. “I’m a simple man making his way through the galaxy. Like my father before me.” The man replied.
“Did you take the Creed?” Din asked him. “I give my allegiance to no one.” The man growls. “The beskar belongs to the Mandalorians. It was looted from us during the Purge.” Din said. “The armor was my father’s. Now it’s mine.” The man said.
“What’s to stop us from dropping you right where you stand?” (Y/n) asked him. “Because I have a sharpshooter up on that ridge with a locked scope that will unload by the time my body hits the ground.” The man said. “I’m the one wearing beskar.” Din said. “And I have beskar shields.” (Y/n) said as she gestures to her gauntlets.
“As soon as we see that muzzle flash, you’re both dead.” Din threatens. “I didn’t mean she was going to shoot you two. My friend’s locked into that little companion of yours up in the henge.” The man said, making the hunters turn towards the stone hedges.
“And if you remember, I don’t miss.” A familiar female voice said and they look up to see Fennec laying on her stomach, her gun trained towards the henge. “Fennec?” Din and (y/n) said, shocked. “You two have keen ears.” She said and the man smirks, slightly. "You point that gun away from the kid or we’ll drop you both where you stand.“ (Y/n) threatens as Din flicks his wrist, activating the whistling bird.
"Let’s all put down our weapons, have a chat. There’s no need for bloodshed.” The man said. “Tell her to drop the gun.” Din said. “After you and your friend put down the jetpacks.” The man said. “Same time.” Din said and the man looks up at Fennec.
“Stand down.” He said and Fennec stands up and starts to walk down and Din deactivates the whistling bird. Everyone begins to put away their weapons and Din and (y/n) remove their jetpacks.
“You two look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” Fennec said as she comes up and stands next to the man. “You were dead.” Din said. “She was left for dead in the sands of Tatooine, as was I. But fate sometimes steps in to rescue the wretched.” The man said. “In my case, Boba Fett was that fate.” Fennec said as she gestures towards the man and pulls back the strap around her middle, revealing robotic replacements.
“And I am now in his service.” She said as she puts the strap back on around her waist. “I want my armor back.” Fett orders. “It goes against the Mandalorian Creed.” Din said, shaking his head.
“The armor was given to my father, Jango, by your forebears. In exchange, I guarantee the safety of the Child, as well as your own and your friend.” Fett said. “The bounty in your litte friend has risen significantly. You can buy ten suits of armor for the price on its head.” Fennec informs. “I’d say we’re offering a fair deal under the circumstances.” Fett said.
But before anything else could be said, another ship approaches and flies over them. The four of them began to run and off as Din and (y/n) head towards Grogu and Fett and Fennec follow the newly arrived ship.
“Time to go, kid!” Din shouts as they approach Grogu, who was still meditating and had the shield around him. Din tries to get to him but he was flung back, then he rolls and lands on his front. “Din!” (Y/n) screams, fearfully, as he doesn’t move. She starts to breathe, quickly, before she looks back at Grogu.
She starts to slow her breathing down then walk towards Grogu but it felt like something was pushing her back. She kept pushing through, grunting and pushing her body as hard as she could. She reaches her arms out and could just feel the cloth of Grogu’s clothes on her fingertips when she was, suddenly, flung back and hit the ground, knocking her out.
Minutes later, Din wakes up and could hear gunfire in the distance when he looks over to see Grogu still meditating with the shield around him. He looks to his left and sees (y/n) on her back, unconscious. He goes over to her and kneels down as he starts to slightly shake her.
“(Y/n)…(y/n)…cyar'ika…" He said and (y/n) groans as she starts to wake up. "You okay?” He asked her. “Yeah…I…almost had him, Din…I was so close.” she said as he helps her sit up. Then he gets up and goes to the edge to see two ships had landed with Stormtroopers running out of them, fighting Fennec and Fett.
Din goes over to help (y/n) up and they look at Grogu again. “That’s it, kid. We got to get out of here!” Din said and the duo walk towards him but it felt like something kept pushing them back until something shocked them to stumble back.
“Okay, we’re gonna protect you. Just stay there. We’ll be back soon.” Din said and he and (y/n) make their way down to the fight. But seconds after they left, the force field shuts down and Grogu topples over to the side and falls asleep
Fennec was shooting at any Stormtroopers coming her way but then she got surrounded. But it didn’t last long as Din activates his whistling birds and fires it while (y/n) fires her blaster at some Stormtroopers. “Okay, let’s move in.” Din said as him, Fennec and (y/n) group together as the Stormtroopers began to open fire at them.
“This isn’t looking good.” Fennec said. “We’ve seen worse.” (Y/n) said as she fires and kills some of the troopers. “You can get out of here. We owe you from last time.” Din tells Fennec. “We had a deal.” Fennec said to him.
The Stormtroopers began to surround the three as Din was able to handle the blasters with his armor and (y/n) had to activate her shields and move her arms around to block any of the blasts coming her way.
Everything seemed overwhelming when some bombs land in front of the Stormtroopers and blew up. Then Fett, now in his father’s armor, lands behind a trooper and began to take them out with every weapon he had, guns, missiles, you name it.
The troopers began to retreat and head into their ship and fly off. Fett then brought up his scope then fired the missile that was on his back and hit one ship, which crashed into the second ship. “Nice shot.” (Y/n) compliments. “I was aiming for the other one.” Fett said and (y/n) scoffs out a chuckle.
Then a blast from the sky flies down and hits the Razor Crest, destroying it completely. Din and (y/n) run a few steps and stop in shock at what just happened, Din’s ship…his…their home was completely gone.
“We better get to your ship.” Fennec said to Fett as (y/n) covers her gaping mouth. Fett then flies up and Din looks up and sees a large arrow shaped ship up in the sky. “The kid!” He exclaims and he, (y/n) and Fennec run towards the hedges when they look up and see four large figures flying down towards Grogu’s location.
They land down on the hedges but by the time the trio get there, they are two late as these large black droid grabbed Grogu and take off. (Y/n) sensed Grogu’s fear as she looks up and she began to feel it as well.
“They’ve got the baby. Don’t let them get away.” Fennec said in her communicator. “Affirmative.” Fett said as his ship flies after the droids. “I have a lock.” Fett said as he targets them. “Stop him!” (Y/n) said, panicked. “We don’t want the Child hurt.” Din adds. “Abort pursuit. Disengage. Do not harm the Child.” Fennec said.
“Copy. I’ll do a loose follow, see where they’re headed.” Fett said and he follows them and was able to see where they were heading.
“They’re back.” Fett said, shocked. “Who?” Fennec asked. “The Empire. They’re back.” Fett replied. “That can’t be. The Outer Rim is under the jurisdiction of the New Republic.” Fennec said. “This isn’t a spice dream. I can see the Imperial cruiser with my own eyes. Heading down.” Fett said and he steers the ship away while (y/n) looks over at Din with fear and worry, a look he hasn’t seen on her since they were kids.
Later on, Din and (y/n) look around the destroyed remains of the Razor Crest, to see if anything survived. Fennec and Fett watch over them as the two hunters look around. Then (y/n) found the little knob. She holds it in the palm of her hand and felt tears pricking the side of her eyes as she stares at it.
Din comes up to her and she looks up at him just in time to see a tear run down her face. He clasps her hand, which was holding the knob, between both of his hands then they raise their heads to face each other before leaning their foreheads against each others. (Y/n) closes her eyes for a moment before Din takes the knob out of her hand and pockets it.
“We’ll get him back, cyar'ika.” Din whispers to her. (Y/n) felt her heart leap at the pet name before she nods and wipes away the tears. She and Din continue to search when she and Din found that the beskar staffs had survived. They pick them up and started to walk towards Fennec and Fett.
“These are all that survived.” Din said as he gestures to the staffs. “Beskar.” Fett said and (y/n) nods. “I want to show you two something.” Fett said and he raises up his gauntlet and a hologram of codes appeared.
“My chain code has been encoded in this armor for 25 years. You see, this is me. Boba Fett. This is my father, Jango Fett.” Fett explained as he points at the codes. “Your father was a foundling.” Din said. “Yes. He even fought in the Mandalorian Civil Wars.” Fett said as he turns off the hologram.
“Then that armor belongs to you.” (Y/n) said and Fett nods. “I appreciate its return.” He says. “Then our deal is complete.” Din said. “Not quite.” Fett said. “How so?” Din asked.
“We agreed in exchange for the return of my armor, we will ensure the safety of the Child.” Fett said. “The Child’s gone.” Din said, his voice cracking a bit, while (y/n) bites her lips then looks down. “Until he is returned to both of you safely, we are in your debt.” Fett said and the two hunters look between them as Fennec nods in agreement.
Later, Fett brings them to Nevarro and Din and (y/n) make their way into the village and meet up with Cara Dune. “Cara Dune, Marshal of the New Republic.” Din said as he tosses her badge to her after she showed it to them. “We heard rumors you might have gone legit.” (Y/n) said. “I wouldn’t go that far.” Cara said, smiling.
“We need your help.” Din said to her. “Name it.” She said. “I need you to locate someone in the prison registry.” Din said. “Let’s see what I can do.” Cara said and she sits up and starts to look through some files on her computer.
“Ex-Imperial sharpshooter, last name Mayfeld. Apprehended near the Dilestri system on a derelict prison ship.” Din said as Cara flips through the files until she found Mayfeld’s file. “Migs Mayfeld. Serving 50 years in the Karthon Chop Fields for springing a prisoner himself. Accessory to the death of a New Republic officer.” Cara reads off the file.
“Huh. Sounds like a real piece of work. What do you two want with him?” She asked them. “We need to spring him to help us locate Moff Gideon’s light cruiser.” (Y/n) said as Cara sits back in her chair. “You know how I feel about the Empire. But these stripes….” Cara said as she points at her new badge. “…mean there are rules I need to follow.” She finishes.
“They have the kid.” Din tells her and then her face goes to a serious and angry look.
After dropping out of hyperspace, the Razor Crest approaches the planet Corvus. “Corvus, this is the place.” Din said. “I’ve detected a beacon.” (Y/n) informs him. “Ok. I’m gonna start the landing cycle.” Din said then he turns to the Child, who was sitting on (y/n)’s lap. “You better get back in your seat.” He tells him and the Child looks around then stares at the lever knob.
“Hey, what did I tell you? Back in your seat.” Din said and the Child looks up at him then coos as (y/n) turns around in her seat and places him in the other seat. She turns back around and the Child looks between the two hunters before looking back at the knob.
He stares at it, coos then he raises his hand and started to use the Force to get the knob. (Y/n) felt some sort’ve power and she looks over, sees the knob turning before it comes off and floats to the Child. She smiles at this and lets it slide as Din steers the Razor Crest towards the planet.
The Razor Crest enters the atmosphere of Corvus then lands in this forest that looked like it got destroyed. The hangar comes open and Din and (y/n) walk out while the Child walks on the hangar then sits down as he looks at the knob. The hunters turn around and Din notices what the Child was holding.
“What did I say about that?” Din said as he leans down and takes the knob out of the Child’s hand. “This needs to stay in the ship.” He tells the Child as the youngling whines. “Din, he’s just a kid.” (Y/n) defends. “He needs to understand that this is not a toy.” Din said as he holds up the knob then pockets it.
(Y/n) sighs then turns to the Child and mouths a I’m sorry to him. “Not much to see out here.” Din said as he looks around the forest. “Never had dealing with a Jedi before.” He said as the Child stands up and goes over to (y/n) and holds his arms out to her.
She kneels down, picks him and starts to carry him. “Neither have I. Let’s head into town. See if we can pick up a lead.” (Y/n) said and the two hunters began walking while the Child starts to clutch the crystal around her neck.
Later, they come up to a large structural wall and see some guards on top of the wall. One of them, that wasn’t wearing a mask, speaks up. “State your business.” He orders. “Been tracking for a few days. Looking for a layover.” Din tells him. “Nice armor. You two are hunters, then?” The man, Lang, said while the Child, who was hiding in Din’s bag, peaking out and looking worried. “That’s right.” Din said.
“Guild?” Lang asked the hunters. “Last we checked.” (Y/n) said and one of the masked guards turns to Lang and begins to speak to him in their own language. “Open the gate.” Lang said and the gate begins to open. The two hunters walk inside and the gate closes behind them.
As they enter and walk in more of the garden community, (y/n) noticed that there didn’t seem that much people walking out on the street. Then they come up to an old female vendor. “Pardon me, vendor, have you heard of anyone…” Din started to ask but the woman turns and walks away. Din sighs at this while (y/n) mutters. “Rude.”
The two look around and noticed, down an alley, there was a man kneeling down to two kids, helping them. “You there. We need some information.” Din said and the kids and the man look up at them. “We’re looking for someone.” Din said.
The man turns to the kids and whispers something to then before he turns back to the hunters while the kids run off. “Please, do not speak to them, or to any of us.” The villager said. “Look, we just need to know…” (y/n) said but then a modulated voice speaks behind the hunters while the villager looks at them in fear.
“The Magistrate wants to see you two.” The voice said and the hunters turn around to see that it was the guards. Din and (y/n) share a look before they go with the guards.
They lead the duo to a large building with a gate in front of it, with about three poles on each side with some people inside of it, which shocked the prisoners inside of them. “Help us.” One prisoner pleads to the hunters before he gets shocked. “She’ll kill us all.” Another prisoner said and (y/n) looks at them and couldn’t help but feel bad for these people.
They’re living in fear. She thought as the gate opens and the hunters walking inside, the Child ducking down in the bag, fearfully.
The duo walk in and immediately it was like stepping into a different world. While outside of these gates, it looked like the very poor parts of town, dirty and rundown. But this place place looked like a paradise; water, trees and the large building looked well kept.
“Come forward.” The Magistrate ordered as she was feeding something in the water. The duo walk up to her as the Magistrate asked. “You are a Mandalorian?”
“Yes.” Din replied then Magistrate turns to (y/n). “And you?” She asked. “A skillful bounty hunter.” (Y/n) replied, figuring that it was easier to say that than going in depth of who she is.
“I have a proposition that may interest you two.” The Magistrate said. “Our price is high.” Din informs her and the Magistrate turns to face them. “This target is priceless. A Jedi plagues me. I want both of you to kill her.” The Magistrate said. “That’s a difficult task.” (Y/n) said. “One that you two are well-suited for. The Jedi are the ancient enemy of Mandalore.” said the Magistrate.
“As I said, our price is high.” Din said then a guard walks up, holding two spears. The Magistrate turns and holds her hands out and takes the spears once the guard comes up to her. She holds the spears as she turns to the hunters.
“What do you two make of these?” She asked. The two hunters walk up to her, take the spears and look them over. Then Din hits the spear against his gauntlet and it let’s out a loud ding.
“Beskar.” Din and (y/n) said and the Magistrate smiles. “Pure beskar…like your armor.” She said, nodding towards Din. “Kill the Jedi and they’re yours."
The two hunters share a look and (y/n) nods at him before they hand the spears back to her. "Where do we find this Jedi?” Din asked her and the Magistrate smiles, proudly.
Later, the two hunters were escorted out of the community by Lang. The Child coos and Lang looks down at the bag and notices him. “What is that thing?” He asked. “We keep it around for luck.” Din tells him. “You’re gonna need it where you two are headed.” Lang said. Din and (y/n) look over at him and they make their way into the burnt down forest.
“Well, these are the coordinates.” Din said, after making it deeper into the forest, as he and (y/n) pull out their rifles. “Keep your eyes open. We’ve got to be close.” (Y/n) said and the two look around, Din using the scanner in his helmet while (y/n) just looks around.
Then a rustling sound breaks the silence. “You hear that?” Din asked then he takes the Child out of the bag and place him on a large mound of dirt. “Don’t worry. Sit right here. We’re gonna see what’s out there.” Din said and he pulls out his binoculars and looks around only to see large creatures nearby.
“False alarm.” He said just as (y/n) sensed something behind her. She gasped then turned around, activates her shield and blocks an attack from the Jedi.
The Jedi begins to slice her double white lightsabers but each hit was blocked by (y/n)’s shield until Din uses his flame thrower at the Jedi. The Jedi jumps and flips over while Din activates his grapple and it wraps around the Jedi.
She looks up at a tree branch, smiles then jumps over the branch which made Din go up. “Dank farrik.” (Y/n) mutters and Din cuts the grappling cord and falls down. The Jedi turns around and was bout to attack Din when (y/n) shouts. “Ahsoka Tano!"
Ahsoka stops as (y/n) continues. "Bo-Katan sent us. We need to talk.” She said and Ahsoka looks over her shoulder then back at the hunters. “I hope it’s about him.” She said as she lowers her lightsabers and the duo turn to the Child.
Ahsoka walks up to the Child and smiles, softly, at him while the hunters come up next to her.
That night, Ahsoka and the Child were sitting across from each other while the two hunters paced around. The way Ahsoka’s and the Child’s body language were, you would’ve thought they were talking to each other without words; it was kind’ve odd to the hunters.
“Earlier, how’d you know she was behind us?” Din asked (y/n). She look up at him and gave a slight shrug. “I don’t know…it was like…I could sense her. It’s hard to explain.” She said then Ahsoka gets up, picks up the Child and the lantern between them and walks over to another part of the forest, the hunters go over to her.
She sets the lantern down and the Child next to her. He looks up and coos at her and she nods at him. “Is he speaking? Do you understand him?” Din asked. “In a way.” Ahsoka said. “Grogu and I can feel each other’s thoughts.” She said and the Child looks up at her.
“Grogu?” Din and (y/n) said, confused, and the Child, quickly, turns to them. “Yes. That’s his name.” Ahsoka said and the hunters share a look at each other before (y/n) looks down at him. “Grogu.” She said and the Child looks up at her and coos.
“He was raised at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Many Masters trained him over the years. At the end of the Clone Wars when the Empire rose to power, he was hidden. Someone took him from the Temple. Then his memory becomes…dark. He seemed lost. Alone.” Ahsoka explained as the two hunters sit down on a branch across from her.
“I’ve only known one other being like this. A wise Jedi Master named Yoda.” She said and smiles at Grogu. “Can he still wield the Force?” She asked. “You mean his powers?” Din asked and she nods. “The Force is what gives him his powers. It is an energy field created by all living things. To wield it takes a great deal of training and discipline.” She said.
“We’ve seen him do things we can’t explain.” (Y/n) said as she looks over at Grogu, who looks like he was about to pass out. “Our task was to bring him to a Jedi.” Din said and Ahsoka looks down.
“The Jedi Order fell a long time ago.” She said. “So did the Empire, yet it still hunts him. He needs your help.” Din said and Ahsoka looks down then over at Grogu. “Let him sleep. I’ll test him in the morning.” She said then she looks over at (y/n) and noticed something.
“Where did you get that crystal?” She asked her. (Y/n) looks down at her necklace then fiddles with it between her fingers. “My father gave it to me when I was a child.” (Y/n) replied and Ahsoka eyes it a bit. “What?” (Y/n) asked and Ahsoka walks up to her.
“May I see it?” She asked the former Mandalorian, holding her hand out. (Y/n) takes a good longing look at her necklace, wondering why Ashoka wanted to look at it. She was hesitant of course; since she was a child she had never taken it off, not even for when a vendor was trying to buy her necklace off her.
Only, she can see the way the former Jedi looked at it, but unlike the others who wanted it for their self interest, Ashoka was curious. She sees that there’s a good reason why her necklace is so special not only to her but the others as well.
She takes off her necklace and hands it to Ahsoka. The Jedi looks it over for a few minutes until Din asked. “Is there something wrong?”
“Just that this is no ordinary crystal. It’s a Kyber crystal.” Ahsoka replied and (y/n) gives her a confused look. “Kyber crystal?” She said. “It is the heart of our weapons known as Lightsabers.” Ahsoka said and she pulls out one of her lightsabers to show them. “Thing is…only Jedi’s knew about the Kyber crystals. So only a Jedi could be the only ones to have access to them.” She said.
Din and (y/n) look at each other, confused, before (y/n) turns back to Ahsoka. “What are you saying.” (Y/n) asks, somewhat lost and nervous of what might come. Ashoka stares at her intently, seeing that she has no idea of the connection.
“There’s a possibility that your father was a Jedi. And from him, the force is passed down to you.” She responded. Din sits there stunned while (y/n) shakes her head. "No, my father was just a farmer. T-There’s no way.” She said, shaking her head in denial. "Have you ever had anything happen or have felt something you couldn’t explain?“ Ahsoka asked and (y/n) looks down then over at Grogu.
Ahsoka follows her gaze and starts to understand. "Ever since we came across him….I’ve felt…something around him. And it’s like I can feel what he’s feeling when he’s near me. I-I just thought it was my instinct…” (Y/n) said and Ahsoka nods. “When a person is sensitive to the Force, you can feel all sorts of energy around them. And you can build a connection with someone else that is strong with the Force.” Ahsoka said as Din watches (y/n), who looked overwhelmed.
“I-I-I think…I think I need a rest too.” (Y/n) said and Ahsoka nods at her. “Of course.” She said and she hands the necklace back to her. (Y/n) takes it, gets up and walks away from them.
Din looks over his shoulder at her as she walks a few feet away and sits on another branch, her back facing them. He looks back at the fire as Ahsoka gets ready for sleep before he gets up and walks over to (y/n).
He gets up to her and sees that she was looking down at the crystal. He sits next to her and she doesn’t make a move but Din noticed that she relaxed a bit at how close he was. She let’s out a sigh then lowers her hand and raises her head up to look up at the sky.
He slowly places his arm around her waist and she leans her head on his shoulder. And the two hunters sit there in silence, letting the information they received sink in.
The next morning, Ahsoka leads the hunters and Grogu, who Din was holding, towards a different part of the woods then she turns and smiles at Grogu. “Let’s see what knowledge is lurking inside that little mind.” She said as she taps Grogu’s nose, making him coo.
Ahsoka gestures towards a large flat boulder and Din sets Grogu down. Grogu babbles as Ahsoka kneels down and picks up a pebble then stands up and turns to Grogu. Din and (y/n) step back as Ahsoka holds her arm out then raised her hand to show the pebble, she picked up, then she uses the Force and guides the pebble towards Grogu.
The pebble floats, slowly, towards Grogu and he holds his little hands out and grabs it and holds it. Ahsoka smiles then holds her hand out. “Now, return the stone to me, Grogu.” She said and Grogu looks up at her, sad and scared.
“He doesn’t understand.” Din said. “He does.” Ahsoka said. Grogu then whines then looks over at (y/n), and she could tell he was scared. “It’s okay. The stone, Grogu.” Ahsoka said. Grogu looks down then drops the stone and Din sighs, annoyed, while Ahsoka lowers her arm, sighs then walks towards Grogu.
She kneels down to him as he looks down in shame. She gives him a sympathetic look then takes his little claw between her pointer finger and thumb. “I sense much fear in you.” Ahsoka said. “I can feel it too.” (Y/n) said and Grogu looks up between them then babbles again.
Ahsoka stands up then turns to the hunters. “He’s hidden his abilities to survive over the years.” She said then she takes a few steps away from them then turns back around. “Let’s try something else.” She said as she looks at the hunters.
“Come over here.” said Ashoka and Din looks at Grogu then gestures for him to to go but Grogu doesn’t move. “He’s stubborn.” Din grumbles. “Not him. You two.” Ahsoka said and Din and (y/n) look over at her. “I want to see if he’ll listen to both of you.” She said and the hunters go and stand next to her.
“That would be a first.” (Y/n) said. “I like first. Good or bad, they’re always memorable.” Ahsoka said and she hands Din the pebble. “Now, hold the stone out in the palm of your hand. Tell him to lift it up.” She instructs and Din does as she asks while (y/n) stands next to him.
“All right, kid. Lift the stone.” He said and Grogu tilts his head a bit at him. “Grogu.” Ahsoka whispers to Din and she walks around them and goes to the side to watch them.
“Grogu…” Din said and Grogu lifts his head and looks right at him then coos. “Come on, take the stone.” Din said but Grogu doesn’t move. “You can do.” (Y/n) encourages but Grogu looks down then grunts.
“You see? I told you, he’s stubborn.” Din said to Ahsoka as he tosses the pebble aside. “Try to connect with him.” She tells him and the two hunters share a look before they look over at Grogu. (Y/n), suddenly, gasps in realization. “The knob.” She whispered and she looks over at Din.
He digs into one his belt pouches and pulls out the knob. “Grogu…” Din said and Grogu look at him and his ears perk up then he raises his claw. The two hunters kneel down as Din holds out the knob.
“Do you want this?” Din asked and Grogu smiles. “Well, go ahead.” Din said as Grogu looks at the knob and holds his little claw out and (y/n) could feel his energy building. “That’s right, take it.” (Y/n) said and Grogu looks between them. “Come on. You can have it. Come on.” Din said and the ball flies out of his hand and into Grogu’s.
“Good job!” (Y/n) said, happily. “Good job, kid!” Din said, proudly, as the two go over to him. “You see that?” (Y/n) asked and the two kneel down to Grogu and Din takes the knob back. “See? We knew you could do it. Very good.” Din said as (y/n) runs a finger over Grogu’s ear.
“He’s formed a strong attachment to both of you.” Ahsoka said. “I cannot train him.” She said and the two hunters stand up and turn to her. “What?” They said, in unison. “Why not?” (Y/n) asked her, confused. “You’ve seen what he can do.” Din said as he gestures to Grogu.
“His attachment to both of you makes him vulnerable to his fears. His anger.” She said. “All the more reason to train him.” Din said. “No. I’ve seen what such feelings can do to a fully trained Jedi Knight. To the best of us. I will not start this Child down that path.” Ashoka said, firmly, as she walks up to them the she turns to Grogu.
“Better to let his abilities fade. I’ve delayed too long. I must get back to the village.” Ashoka said as she walks off. “The Magistrate sent us to kill you.” (Y/n) said and Ashoka stops then turns back to them. “We didn’t agree to anything. And we’ll help you with your problem, if you see to it that Grogu is properly trained.” Din said and she looks between the two hunters.
“She has a s.all army of guards armed with A350 blaster rifles, two HK-87 assassin droids, and a hired gunfighter. He reads ex-military to me. Combined, not even your laser swords would be able to protect you from all that firepower.” Din said as him, Ashoka and (y/n) walk along the forest.
“True.” Ashoka said, smirking. “But don’t underestimate the Magistrate either.” She warns. “Who is she?” (Y/n) asked. “She offered us two staff of pure beskar to kill you.” Din said and Ashoka folds her arms across her chest.
“Morgan Elsbeth. During the Clone Wars, her people were massacred. She survived and let her anger fuel an industry which helped build the Imperial Starfleet. She plundered worlds, destroying them in the process.” Ashoka explains. “Yeah, it looks like she’s still in business.” Din snarks and Ashoka nods before she looks over at the duo.
“When you two were in the city, did you see any prisoners?” She asked. “We saw three villagers strung up just outside the inner gate.” (Y/n) said and Ashoka begins to pace. “We must find a way to free them.” Ashoka said. “A Mandalorian, a Dar'manda and a Jedi? They’ll never see it coming.” Din said and Ashoka smiles.
Later that night, Ashoka begins her attack on the front guards of the village. She makes it inside and the Magistrate and all of her guards come out as Ashoka starts walking towards them.
The villager stay inside their homes, scared, as Ashoka walks up to the Magistrate and tossed a couple of shoulder armor plates at her feet. “Your bounty hunters failed. Tell me what I want to know. Where is your master?” Ashoka asked the Magistrate. “Kill her.” The Magistrate ordered and the guards began to fire at Ashoka but she dodges then jumps up on the roof of one building and runs.
The Magistrate then orders for the death of the prisoners and walks back into her palace as Lang leads the guards after Ashoka.
But before the two guards could kill the prisoners, Din and (y/n) fly in and kill the guards just as one of the villagers runs out. He stops in his tracks but Din and (y/n) put away their guns, showing that they mean him no harm. The villager nods, appreciatively, and him and the two hunters began to free the prisoners while Ashoka dealt with the other guards.
“Get inside.” Din orders the free prisoners and the villager and they run just as Lang makes his way around the corner and sees the two hunters, shocked. Then he looks over and sees Ashoka standing on the inner gate for a moment before she jumps behind the gate and Lang put the pieces together.
“So, you threw in with the Jedi.” Lang said. “Looks that way.” (Y/n) said. They stand there, eyeing each other, when they could hear a fight going on behind the inner gate. Obviously, Ashoka and the Magistrate were fighting.
“Who do you think’s gonna win? Could be your side….could be my side.” Lang said as they could hear clangs and grunting. Lang smiles and he takes little steps towards the two hunters as he listens.
“I’ve got no quarrel with you or your friend, Mandalorian.” Lang said then Din holds his hand out. “That’s far enough.” He warns and Lang notices both Din’s and (y/n)’s twitching towards their blaster guns, which was holster on their belt.
“You and I, we’re a lot alike. Willing to lay our lives down for the right cause. Which this is not.” Lang said then a moment it sounded like a loud clang of metal hitting concrete hit each other and Lang shrugs.
“Sounds like you win.” Lang said then he holds up his gun and slowly places it down as he looks at the hunters. Once he placed it down, he saw the hunters hands relax then he reaches behind him for his second gun.
He goes to raise his gun and aim it at (y/n) but Din was faster and shoots Lang straight in the chest, killing him. The villagers began to walk out when another guard climbs up on the roof behind the two hunters.
Sensing something bad, (y/n) turns around and shoots the guard in the head and it falls down before it could even do anything.
The sun was rising and villagers began cheering as they celebrate from being free while Din, (y/n) and Ashoka walk out of the village and past the outer gate.
“I believe these were your payments.” Ashoka said as she holds out the beskar staffs to them. “No. We can’t accept them.” Din said as (y/n) shakes her head. “We didn’t finish the job.” (Y/n) said. “No. But these belong with a Mandalorian.” Ashoka said as she hands the staffs to them and the duo accepts them.
“Where’s your little friend?” Ashoka asked. “Back at the ship. Wait here, we’ll go get him.” Din said and he and (y/n) head back to the ship.
As they make it back, they put away the staffs and their jetpacks in the weapons room of the ship then walk over to the little hammock they made for Grogu, who was fast asleep. “Wake up, buddy. It’s time to say goodbye.” Din said, almost with a hint of reluctant, while (y/n) frowns and stares at Grogu, sadly. He opens his eyes or a moment but closes them as he goes back to sleep.
Minutes later, Din was half sitting, half leaning on the little bed under the hammock as he holds Grogu and (y/n) stands in front of him, running her thumb over Grogu’s head. The realization that Grogu was gonna be gone was hitting the two hunters and both of them started to feel dread and sadness about this.
(Y/n) runs her eyes over Grogu before she turns her head to look at Din. She goes to place her hand on his chest plate, which makes him look up at her. The corner of her lip twitched a bit as Din moves his free arm and goes to wrap it around her. The two look at each other before she leans her forehead against his and closes her eyes while under the mask, Din closes his own eyes.
They sit in silence for a few moments, trying to enjoy the last moments together, before Din gets up and walks over to a small table and gets Grogu ready. (Y/n) stands next to him as Grogu starts to babble. (Y/n) couldn’t help but feel her heart break but she did her best to smirk at Grogu and hid the pain she was feeling.
Although with their connection with the Force, she was certain he could feel it.
After getting Grogu ready, Din and (y/n) walk out on the hangar when a voice speaks up. “You two are like a mother and father to him.” The hunters stop and see Ashoka standing outside of the ship. “I cannot train him.” She said as they walk out with Grogu in Din’s arms.
“You made us a promise, and we held up our end.” Din said as they stop in their tracks. Ashoka sighs and walks towards them then holds out a finger to Grogu, who grabs it. “There is one possibility. Go to the planet Tython. You will find the ancient ruins of a temple that has a strong connection to the Force. Place Grogu on the seeing stone at the top of the mountain.” She instructs.
“Then what?” (Y/n) asked her. “Then Grogu may choose his path.” Ashoka said as Grogu let’s go of her finger. “If he reaches out through the Force, there’s a chance a Jedi may sense his presence and come searching for him. Then again, there aren’t many Jedi left.” Ashoka said and Grogu babbles, sadly, as his ears lower.
“Thank you.” Din and (y/n) said. “May the Force be with you.” Ashoka said and the hunters start to head back into the ship. But Ashoka reaches for (y/n)’s arm, which made the Dar'manda turn to her. “Be careful.” She whispers and (y/n) stares at her. The two stare into each other’s eyes as if having a silent conversation before (y/n) nods at her and turns around and follows Din into the ship.
Grogu looks over Din’s shoulder at Ashoka, she smiles and nods at him as if to say goodbye. The hangar door starts to close and then the ship takes off, heading to the planet Tython.
The Razor Crest soared through the same old inky starry sky as (y/n) flip some switches then turns to Din as she sighs. “All right, let’s try this again.” She said and Din nods before he turns to the wall behind.
“Okay, did you….do you have the wire?” He calls out and the alarm went off. Din comes up besides (y/n) and pushes some buttons. “No. Nothing.” He mutters and (y/n) turns in her chair to the wall, where there is a hole and the Child was inside.
“Hey…oh…” she said before she clears her throat and Din walks over to the hole and kneels down. “Okay. Did you get the wire out? The red wire?” He asked as the Child looks at the wires then holds up the blue wire.
“No, no, no. No, the red one. Show me the red wire.” Din said to the Child. The Child looks down then coos as he holds up the red wire to him. “Yes, good. Now, you’re going to plug that red wire where the blue wire goes in the board.” Din explains as best as he could, pointing at the little circuit board in front of the Child.
The Child coos as he looks between the two wires. “Put the red wire where the blue wire goes in the board, okay?” Din said and the Child turns back to the board just as Din adds. “But don’t let them touch.”
Then the Child turns, quickly, to him and coos a “huh?” to him. “Din, you’re scaring him.” (Y/n) said to Din, with worry. “I’m just warning him.” Din said before he turns back to the Child. “You see where you took the blue one off?” Din asked the Child, who holds up the blue wire and looks at it. “Yes, now put the red one…” Din said but the Child puts the blue wire back in the board.
“No, don’t put the blue one back. Put the red one where the blue one was.” Din said and the Child pulls the blue wire out and gives a confused look to Din. “And put the blue one where the red one was. But be careful.” Din said as the Child looks between the wires while (y/n) holds back a smile and tries not to giggle.
“They’re oppositely charged, so keep them away from each other. Make sure you hold them apart from…” Din said but then the Child started to bring the wires together. “No, hold them apart.” Din said but too late as the Child brings the wires together and electricity starts to crackle and shock the Child.
(Y/n) jumps at this then comes over and kneels next to Din just as smoke blows out and Din sighs. (Y/n) looks inside the hole and had a worried look towards the Child. “Are you okay?” She asked, worried, and the Child coughs then whines. (Y/n) sighs with relief while Din sighs again. “Well, it was worth a shot.” Din said and (y/n) shakes her head.
Later on, after getting the Child out of the hole, the trio sit in the lower deck of the ship and each of them had a cup of soup in their hands. “There’s no way we’re making it to Corvus in this shape." Din said then he lifts his helmet up a little just as he and (y/n), in unison, sip their soup.
As Din sips his soup, the Child tilts his head to the side and tries to look at his face but couldn’t really see it. Din finishes his sip and puts his helmet back down over his face. "I think we need to visit some friends for repairs.” (Y/n) said and Din turns to her and nods. “Agreed.” He said then they turn to the Child.
“So, how’d you like to go back to Nevarro?” (Y/n) asked the Child, who looks up with intrigue. “I’ll take that as a yes.” She said and the three of them start to sip their soups at the same time.
As they enter Nevarro’s atmosphere, the Razor Crest’s alarm keeps going off but (y/n) would flips some switches with one hand while holding the Child with the other hand; while Din steers the ship.
The Razor Crest stutters and shakes as it gets ready to land and Cara and Greef come up to greet. Once it lands, the back door slowly opens and Din and (y/n), with the Child in her arms, walk out while Greef and Cara smile amongst each other.
“Looks like someone could use some repairs.” Greef said as Din jumps off of the back door as it wouldn’t lower down. Then he turns around and holds his arms out to help (y/n) down. She lands down on her feet and the two hunters walk towards Greef and Cara.
Greef gives a small smile to the two then starts to shake Din’s hand. “How’s our credit around here?” Din asked Greef while (y/n) and Cara shake hands. “I think something could be arranged.” Greef said as he and Din stops shaking hands then turns to Cara. “Isn’t that right, Marshal?” He asked as Cara smiles then she starts to hold the Child’s little claw hand that wasn’t holding onto (y/n)’s crystal necklace.
“I’m sure we can work somethin’ out.” She said and Din looks over at Cara then back at Greef. “I’ll get my best people on it.” Greef said then he turns around to a couple of guys nearby. “Hey, fellas! Let’s fix their ship! I want it as good as new.” Greef tells them and one of them responds back to him in their own alien language.
Greef then turns back to Din and (y/n) then looks at the Child. “And you, come here, little one!” He chuckles as he takes the Child out of (y/n)’s arms. The Child let’s go of (y/n)’s necklace as Greef holds him up.
“Has Mando and (y/n) been taking good care of you, huh?” Greef asked the Child before he raises his head towards the two hunters and asked, in a commanding voice. “Have you been takin’ good care o’ him?"
The Child then coos at him and Greef looks down at him. "Yeah? Yeah!” He said then he turns to the hunters and said. “He said yeah!” Then he turns and starts to walk away with the Child in his arms, laughing. Cara gestures for the hunters to follow and they start to walk into the village, which was full of people.
“Looks like you two have been busy.” Din points out as he and (y/n) look around the busy streets. “I myself have been steeped in clerical work. Marshal Dune here is to be thanked for cleaning up the town.” Greef said and Cara turns to the hunters.
“Your ship’s not lookin’ too good.” She said. “We had a run-in with the New Republic.” (Y/n) said. “They should leave the Outer Rim alone. If the Empire couldn’t settle it, what makes them think they can?” Greef said just as they approach a building and he starts to tap on the pad that was on the wall.
“Here we are.” He said as he puts in a code. “I’m surprised to see this place is still standing.” (Y/n) said as the doors open and Greef goes inside. Cara starts to follow the she turns to face them and spreads her arms out, wide. “Wait til you see the inside.” She said as she turns and walks inside.
The two hunters share a look before the follow along just as a female robotic voice said. “Who can name one of the five major trade routes in the galaxy? Anyone?”
The two hunters walk in and see that the place was remodeled as a school as there were several desks and young children inside with a droid at the front. “Hoe about the Corellian Run?” The droid asked then a boy speaks up. “The Hydian Way?”
“A school?” Din and (y/n) said as they look at Greef and Cara. “Things have changed a lot around here.” Cara said. “We’ll leave the little one here so we can talk business.” Greef said and he starts to walk away just as Din and (y/n) step up, both worried. “Wait. Wherever we go, he goes.” Din said and Greef turns to him.
“Mando, please. Where we’re going, you two don’t wanna take a child. Trust me.” Greef tells them and he walks off. “He’ll be fine here. You two have my word.” Cara assures the two hunters as Greef places the Child in an empty seat.
The other children notice this and began to whisper as Greef comes back to the others. “Come on.” He said and he and Cara leave while Din and (y/n) stay back a bit and both of them look over at the Child with worry before they both leave.
Greef takes them over to another building where the Mythrol was sitting behind a desk. “There’s no registration on the ship, but I’m pretty sure it belongs…” the Mythrol started to say but looks up and stops once he sees Din walking in behind Greef. “I believe you two have met.” Greef said to the Mythrol, who looks at Din with fear.
“I’m surprised to see you here.” Din said to him. “Right back at you.” The Mythrol said, nervously. “Oh, so you were the one who grabbed him.” (Y/n) said to Din as she walks up next to him.
“Mythrol here’s taken care of my books since he was a pollywog. But then he disappeared one day after a bit of creative accounting.” Greef said as he glares at Mythrol. “Magistrate Karga was generous enough to let me work off my debt.” The Mythrol said, smiling nervously. “Thank you, by the way.” He said to Greef.
“Three hundred and fifty years, but who’s counting?” Greef said, shrugging. “Well, if he runs off on you again, let me know.” Din said to Greef. “Let me assure you, I do not wanna spend any more time in carbonite. Still can’t see outta my left eye.” Mythrol said. “Sounds like you got off too easy. If it were me that caught you….well….” (Y/n) said, shrugging, as she gives a bit of a sly smirk towards Mythrol.
Mythrol looks over at her then realized who she was. “You’re the one they call Manda, right?” He asked, nervously. “So you have heard of me. Good.” (Y/n) said and Mythrol gives a scared look towards he while, under his helmet, Din gives her a proud smile.
“Can we talk business?” Cara asked as she walks in and goes to the desk across from Mythrol. “We’re only here for repairs.” Din said to her. “Which’ll take a while. Which means you two will have free time on your hands, right? And we could really use your help.” Greef said to the hunters.
“Help how?” (Y/n) asked and Cara bends down and twists a knob on a device and it projects a map of Nevarro. “This is Nevarro. We’re here.” Cara said as she points at a red dot on the bottom of the map. “This entire area’s a green zone. Completely safe. But over on this side is the problem.” She said as she moves the projection and it brings what looks like a large wall colored in red.
“It’s an old Imperial base.” Greef said. “It’s where all those troops came from when we defeated Moff Gideon. This base has been here since the Imperial expansion. It’s got a skeleton crew, but for some reason, it hasn’t been abandoned.” Cara informs them as the two hunters look at the map.
“There’s a lot o’ heavy weaponry in that place the black market would love to dismantle and get their hands on.” Greef said. “And you wanna mop up the last of the Imperial force before they do.” Din said. “Mando, I just want them off my planet. If we could take out the one last base, Nevarro would be completely safe. We could be a trade anchor for the entire sector.” Greef said. “And the planet would finally be free.” Cara said.
Din look between Cara and Greef before he and (y/n) share a look. They stare at each other for a moment before (y/n) nods then he turns to the others. “What are we looking at?” Din asked and Cara smiles.
Later on, the group were speeding through a desert valley in a speeder just as Greef turns to Din and (y/n). “The whole base is powered by a reactor.” He said. “We sneak in, overloaded the reactor and get the hell outta there.” Cara said. “Let’s be fast. And keep the speeder running.” (Y/n) said as she looks at Mythrol, who was driving the speeder.
“There it is, right there. You see it?” Greef said to the hunters as they round the corner of the valley and see the base. “How close you want me to drop you off?” Mythrol asked. “How ‘bout the front door?” Greef asked and Mythrol begins to blink and shake, nervously.
“It’s a little close for a civilian, don’t ya think?” Mythrol asked. “I got two choice for ya. You take us in and I knock a hundred years off your debt.” Greef said.
“Or?” Mythrol asked.
“Or I leave ya out here in the lava flats to walk home with whatever’s left in your humidity vest.” Greef said, firmly. “It’s not much of a choice, is it?” Mythrol said and he takes them close to the front doors of the base.
“All right. We can’t go any further than this.” Mythrol said as he pulls up and stops at the door. “Let’s go.” Greef said and he, Cara and the two hunters get out of the speeder and go up to the door and to the door panel.
Din messes with the switches and buttons but nothing happens. “Controls are useless. They’re melted.” He said as he turns to the others. “Well, it’s probably not rated for lava.” Greef said as Din and (y/n) walk out and look around. “Imperial trash.” Cara growls.
“All right, I’m headed back. Hit me up on the comm, we could set up a rendezvous time.” Mythrol said as he flips some switches on the speeder console. “You park your gills right there until I say otherwise.” Greef said, firmly, as he points at him. “I’m startin’ to dehydrate, boss.” Mythrol said, pathetically.
“Okay, how does thirty more years off your debt sound?” Greef asked and Mythrol thinks for a moment. “Can you at least be quick about it?” He asked. “You wanna be quick? Grab the flange cutter and help us out!” Greef said. Mythrol groans and presses some buttons on the landspeeder and starts to get out.
“Okay, fine. I don’t like leaving my speeder like this, just so you know.” Mythrol grumbles. “Come on, hurry it up.” Greef shouts. “All right, I’m coming.” Mythrol said as he grabs the cutter and walks up to the door. “Hurry up.” Greef said and Mythrol walks up to the door and gets to work.
Meanwhile, Din and (y/n) look up at the landing base above them then they both look at each other. “Thinking what I’m thinking?” (Y/n) asked him, quietly, and Din nods. She smiles at him before they turn to the others. “Hold tight.” Din said to them and he and (y/n) use their jetpacks and fly up towards the landing base.
Mythrol throws his arms up in frustration before he goes back to work on the door panel. “How long is this gonna take?” Cara asked, impatiently. “Look, lady, this is rated for light plumbing and such. You’re lucky I even packed it at all.” Mythrol said to her, annoyed before going back to work.
“Dank farrik.” Cara growls when they heard screaming. They look up just as two Stormtroopers land right in front of them and the door opens for them. Greef and Cara get in but Mythrol doesn’t move. “Are you comin’ in or what?” Greef asked, annoyed. “I’ll take my chances here, but thank you.” Mythrol said.
“Well, when the lava tide comes in, give us a holler. We’ll drop you a rope.” Cara said. Mythrol was about to say something but stops and gets in with them and the door shuts.
Once they get to the top, the door opens to reveal Din and (y/n) standing there with a few dead Stormtroopers surrounding them. “Empty base, huh?” (Y/n) said with skepticism and Greef, Cara and Mythrol walk out of the elevator. Cara goes to walk on the edge of the walkway as Greef said. “The reactor should be set in the heat shaft. If we drain the cooling lines, this whole base will go up in a matter of minutes."
"Look, it’s mint Trexler Marauder. We can get a lot for this on the black market.” Mythrol said as he points at a large square vehicle that was covered. “And it’s gonna get vaporized like the rest of this base. Now, let’s go.” Din said and Greef nods as he, Din, Cara and (y/n) walk off while Mythrol looks at the Marauder. “Such a waste.” He sighs and they come up to a door, which begins to open.
They all stick to the sides of the door and peak over to see if anyone would come in. But there was nothing but some parked speeder bikes. Greef and Din nod and they make their way inside the base.
Once inside, Cara grabs the lone guard that was sitting at the main console. She chokes him out as Din comes up the console and flicks all of the security cameras on and off. Greef and Mythrol loot the guards body until Greef holds up a long cylinder device.
“This will come in handy.” He said to Mythrol. “I found the hear shaft.” Din said then he pulls out his blaster. “Let’s go.” He said and the group head out of the room.
“The access corridor should be right past this junction.” Din said as they walk down a hallway then make a right turn. “Must’ve blown a transformer over there.” A voice said and the group peeks over to see some Stormtroopers walking by. “All right. We’ll check it out.” Another Stormtrooper said as the group ducks back.
Once they walk off the group of five slinks past them and turn another corner. “There, Mythrol, slice that door.” Din said as they come up to the door. “Use the code cylinder.” Greef said as he hands the cylinder to the Mythrol.
Mythrol accepts it and puts it in the slot and presses a couple of buttons, making the door open. They walk in to the room to see the reactor but it was on a very thin and narrow walkway.
(Y/n) looks down to see that hundreds of feet below was lava. “Whoa!” Mythrol said, shocked. “Yeah, whoa is right.” Greef said before he looks over at the reactor. “That’s it.” He said as he points at it and everyone looks at it. “Get on the reactor controls, drain the coolant lines. We’ll watch the doors.” Greef said as he looks at Mythrol, who looks taken aback by this.
“Me?” He asked, pointing at himself. “Yes, you!” Greef growls. “I’m afraid o’ heights. And heat. And lava.” Mythrol whines. “How 'bout if I put ya back in the carbonite? Get over there!” Greef yells and Mythrol walks over to the narrow walkway and slams his foot on it a few times before turning back to Greef.
“There’s no guard rail on this.” He whines. “Come on!” Greef yells and Mythrol jumps a bit then starts to slowly make his way back to the controls.
Once he gets there, Mythrol starts to type away on the control panel and it starts buzzing at him. “Come on, hurry up, hurry up. Hurry up!” Greef growls at Mythrol as he continues to press the buttons. Then Mythrol puts in the code cylinder in the slot and starts to press a few more buttons.
The alarm starts to go off and he looks down to see the lava start to rise a bit. “All right, she’s gonna blow.” Mythrol said as he makes his way back. “Let’s go! Let’s get outta here!” Mythrol shouts and they run out of the room.
“How long do we have?” (Y/n) asked as they continue to run. “Ten minutes at the most.” Greef tells her and they run but then Din stops everyone once they hear some Stormtroopers. “Call in reinforcements!” One of them shouts and Din directs the group to go the other way.
They run down a hall and take a few turns to see a couple of guys at a console. They stop as one of the men looks up then shouts. “Destroy them!” And he goes to fire at the group while his partner fires his blaster at the console.
Din, (y/n), Greef and Cara fire at the men while Mythrol cowers back. Once the men were dead, the group turns and sees some canisters with some form of bodies inside of it. They looked like they were halfway developed.
“What the…” Greef mutters, shocked. “I thought you said this was a forward operating base.” (Y/n) said as she looks over at Greef. “I thought it was.” Greef said as he continues to stare at the tanks in shock. “No, this isn’t a military operation. This is a lab.” Cara said then she turns to Mythrol.
“We need to get into the system and figure out what’s going on.” She said to him. “What about the reactor…” Mythrol started to argue but Cara turns to him and said, firmly. “Do it!”
He jumps back then runs over to the console. “I don’t like this.” Din said and (y/n) nods as Mythrol flips some switches on the console and brings up a hologram recording of Dr. Pershing.
“Replicated the results of the subsequent trials, which also resulted in catastrophic failure.” Pershing’s recording said and everyone turns to it and listens. “There were promising effects for an entire fortnight, but then, sadly, the body rejected the blood. I highly doubt we’ll find a donor with a higher M-count, though. I recommend that we suspend all experimentation. I fear that the volunteer will meet the same regrettable fate if we proceed with the transfusion. Unfortunately, we have exhausted our initial supply of blood. The Child is small, and I was only able to harvest a limited amount without killing him.” Pershing said and Din and (y/n) share a look before Pershing continues.
“If these experiments are to continue as requested, we would again require access to the donor. I will not disappoint you again, Moff Gideon.” Pershing said before the hologram ends.
“This must be an old transmission. Moff Gideon is dead.” Din said. “No.” Mythrol said and everyone looks over at him. “This recording’s three days old.” He said and (y/n)’s eyes widen. “If Gideon’s alive then…” she started to say but then some Stormtroopers come in and started firing.
The group fired back then took cover as they take out all the Stormtroopers. Once they were taking down, Din turns to the others. “We need to get the kid.” He said. “Jet pack, you’re faster that way. We’ll head to the speeder and meet you two in town.” Cara said as Din and (y/n) go one way and Greef, Cara and Mythrol head another way.
“Haar'chak.” (y/n) mutters as her and Din turns a corner and see more Stormtroopers. But they didn’t stand a chance as the two hunters took them out with ease and continued on. They make their way back to the reactor room and were about to take off when some more Stormtroopers come in.
They fire and kill a couple of Stormtroopers then fly up towards the opening. Once they get out they land on the ground when a Stormtrooper shoots at Din, but the blast hits his beskar armor and (y/n) turns and shoots the Stormtrooper.
Then the two hunters do a bit of a run before they start up their jetpacks and fly back to town.
Meanwhile, Cara, Greef and Mythrol were able to make their escape on the Trexler Marauder but they were followed by some of the troopers on their bikes. Greef got into the the gun control and took out the trooper.
Finally the base explodes and Mythrol cheers until some tie-fighters fly in. Greef tries to fire at them but it seemed he couldn’t get a good aim on them until he finally hit one. But then another tie-fighter fires at the Marauder’s gun, taking it out and knocking Greef back.
“We’re almost there!” Mythrol shouts as they get closer and closer to the town but the tie-fighters were getting closer and they fly over them and were about to turn when one of them explodes.
The trio look up and see the newly fixed Razor Crest soaring through the air and they cheered.
Meanwhile, inside the Razor Crest, Din turns to the Child and said. “Hang on, kid.” The Child coos and nibbles on his cookies before he holds his arms up. (Y/n) smiles at him as Din has the shop go faster and chase the tie-fighter. The Child giggles, excitedly, as he holds his arms up while on the ground Greef, Cara and the Mythrol make it to the town.
The Razor Crest gets closer to one of the tie-fighters until Din pushes the trigger, fires and destroys the tie-fighter. The Child whoops as he continues to hold his hand up in the air, like he was having the time of his life.
The Razor Crest then turns around and faces the last tie-fighter. Din pushes a lever forward and the Razor Crest goes forward just as the tie-fighter fires at it. Din maneuvers the ship to do a barrel roll, which made the Child giggle with glee.
The two ships get closer and closer until the Razor Crest fires and blows the last tie-fighter up. “Not too bad, huh, kid?” Din asked the Child as he and (y/n) turn around to face him. The Child has an upset look then he spits up all on his collar.
“Oh, boy.” Din mutters then he switches on the communication radio while (y/n) picks up the Child, holds him in her arms and tries to look around for something to clean him up with.
“That was some pretty impressive flying, Mando. What do I owe ya?” Greef said while Din grabs the corner of his cape and uses it to wipe off the vomit on the Child’s face and clothes. “With the repairs, let’s call it even.” Din tells him as the Child whines then curls up to (y/n)’s chest after he finished wiping the vomit off.
“Can I at least buy you two a drink?” Greef asked. “Sorry. We have some onboard maintenance we gotta take care of. Then we gotta hit the road before Gideon catches wise.” Din tells him. “Well, good luck flying, my friends.” Greef said and the Razor Crest flies over them and out to their next destination.
Sometime later, Din was left at the cockpit by himself. It was then he realized that it had been awhile since (y/n) went to go put the Child to sleep. He started to become worried so he puts the ship on autopilot then heads down the ladder.
He looks around until he opens the door that leads into the sleeping quarters and saw a sight before him. On the bed was the Child snuggled up to (y/n)’s chest, asleep, and the Dar'manda was sound asleep with him. Din huffs out a chuckle as he looks at them and folds his arms across his chest.
As he looks over their sleeping forms, he started to think how they were almost done with the mission and he began to wonder what would happen next. Would (y/n) stay with him or go out on her merry way?
Just the thought of her leaving made Din’s heart feel heavy and made him feel scared for the first time. He already went on for ten years without her, he really didn’t want to go through that again. Without her, the place in his heart is nothing more than a empty void as if it were incomplete. A missing piece that holds dearly to him.
He slowly sits down on the edge of the bed then he reaches over towards her and started to stroke (y/n)’s hair, pushing some strands of hair behind her ear. A small smile appears on her lips and he chuckles, softly, at this.
He sighs, softly, and sits up then looks over at her and remembers an old memory. It was just the night of when their village was attacked and their parents were killed, he couldn’t sleep so he decided to take a bit of a walk.
But as he walked out of his room, he heard someone crying. He went up to the door next to his room and heard a girl crying and calling out for her mom and dad. Immediately, he goes in and sees the girl toss and turn in her bed, looking distressed.
He went up to her and shakes her shoulder to wake her up. “Hey! Hey, you’re okay!” He told her until she opened her eyes. Shaking in cold sweats, she looks around, frantically, for a moment then sat up as she catches her breath.
“S-S-So it wasn’t a dream….” she mutters, disappointed, and looks down, sad. “No…” he said, softly. The girl sighs then begins to fiddle with the necklace around her neck. He noticed that and tried to change the subject, so she could feel better.
It worked for a bit as she told him that the necklace was from her father but he told her that the crystal was very special. Then she started to get a little sad and he started to share a little bit of his past with his parents to her.
They each share fond memories of their parents until she looked down and thanked him for making her feel a bit better. He told her she was welcome and that’s when they introduced themselves to each other.
“Din.”
“(Y/n). I thought I recognized you from school.” She said and he nods. “Same here.” He said and the two share a smile.
Afterwhile, she started to feel sleepy and he got up and was about to walk out but she grabs his hand. He turned to her, confused, until she said, in a soft voice. “Stay.” He was taken aback by it but found himself nodding and climbed into bed with her, and both of then fell asleep.
Din shakes himself out of the memories and looks back at (y/n), who was still asleep. He smiles, fondly, at her then reaches up towards his helmet and starts to, slowly, remove it. He leans in and, gently, kissed her forehead. He quickly pulls back and puts his helmet on as she started to stir a bit but she didn’t wake up.
He huffs out a breath and starts to get up when he felt a hand on top of his left hand. He looks down and sees it was (y/n)’s hand on top of his. Din looks over at her and sees that her eyes are only halfway open and she was kinda looking towards his direction.
“Stay.” She said in almost the exact same way she asked him all those years ago. He chuckles a bit and gets into bed, lays down next to her and the two hunters began to fall asleep, the Child between them.
The damaged Razor Crest slowly limps its way towards the blue moon, Trask, which was past a large, green planet, Kol Iben. The engines flickered and the back ramp hangs open, bouncing up and down as it drifts through space. Inside the cockpit, the Child is dozing in a chair, the Frog Lady is gripping tightly to her canister of eggs as she snores, and Din and (y/n) had fallen asleep as well, both slumped in their own chair.
An alarm begins beeping, signifying the arrival to Trask, and the two hunters quickly wake up, and look at the alert on the navigational screen on the control console. The Child rubs his eyes and coos, as the Frog Lady wakes up as well. “Looks like we made it. Get ready for landing.” Din informed them.
As they approach the estuary moon, Din flicks a few switches and presses a few buttons. Something seems not to be working, and he hits the control console in frustration. “Dank farrik!” Din growls. “What’s wrong?” (Y/n) asked him. “The landing array isn’t responding. Without the guidance system, it’ll be a manual re-entry. It might get a little choppy.” Din said and (y/n) gives a worried look towards him.
The Child whimpers as Din continues pressing and switching things. “Once we’re through the atmosphere, there should be just enough fuel to slow us down.” Din said. "If we don’t burn to a crisp.“ (Y/n) grumbles then Din angles the ship upwards as it begins entering Trask’s atmosphere, falling at an increasingly fast pace.
The bottom of the ship begins to heat rapidly, and soon bursts into flames. Alarms blare in the cockpit, and Din hurriedly adjusts some things around it then he turns to (y/n). "I need your hands!” he tells her and (y/n) nods. “Okay, what do you need me to do?” She asked. “This lever needs to stay back and keep it steady.” He tells her.
(Y/n) nods and grabs the lever, pulls it back and holds it. “Here we go.” he said and the ship gains more momentum, burning and zooming into the atmosphere even further. The Frog Lady latches on her egg canister and holds it, tightly.
On the surface of the docks of Trask, specifically the one where the Razer Crest is intending on landing, a Mon Calamari dock worker looks up to the burning hunk of metal in the sky in great annoyance. The Razor Crest is nearly upon the docks now, and finally Trask Flight Control wires in.
“Razor Crest, this is Trask flight control. Please reduce your speed to port protocol.” The Trask Flight Control said over the comm. “I’m trying my best here. Engage reverse thrusters. Brace!” Din said and he pulls another lever, and the landing sequence begins. He is able to gain a bit more control of his ship, with begins to slow down as it approaches the landing dock.
“Hold on.” Din tells everyone. Metal pieces fly off of the Razor Crest as it grows ever closer, still travelling far too fast. “Razor Crest, do you copy? You have to reduce speed.” the Flight Control tells him but Din ignores them. “Almost there, almost there.” he said. “Razor Crest, do you copy? Razor Crest, you’re coming in too fast, you have to re-” Flight control said but Din shuts the comm off as red lights flash on the landing pad below him, and he positions his ship through the navigational computer to line up with the dock.
He quickly brakes, and is able to slow his ship down enough to unsteadily land on the dock. He slowly lowers himself down to touch the ground, as the Mon Calamari dock worker continues to look on in sheer annoyance. “Here we go. Nice and easy.” Din said.
The landing computer is lining up, but before the Razor Crest is able to touch the ground, the right engine sputters and part of it blows up, causing the ship to fall over and topple into the water, making a great splash. The Mon Calamari dock worker shakes his head in disapproval.
Later, a large crane lifts up the Razor Crest out of the bay, slowly. In the cockpit, the passengers shift around as the crane lifts them up. Covered in seaweed, and water draining out from practically everywhere, the ship is very slowly lowered onto the dock, where it finally settles with a metallic clang, as water pours out of the engines.
Din, (y/n) and the Frog Lady exit the ship, water dripping down onto them as they leave, and walk into the bustling crowd of the docks of Trask, which is primarily comprised of Mon Calamari and Quarren. Din approaches the Mon Calamari dock worker.
“So, how can I help you?” The Dock Worker asked. “Can you fix it?” Din asked as he nods towards the Razer Crest. The dock worker looks over the ship a bit. “Fix it? Nah. But I can make it fly.” the worker said. “Do what you can.” Din said and he taps a payment button on the dock worker’s datapad, and he and (y/n) walk away with the Frog Lady, who is glancing all around, looking for her husband. “I’ll fuel it up. If it still holds fuel.” the worker calls out to them.
The Frog Lady continues to walk around the docks, and shouts out in her Frog language. After glancing around a bit, she hears the lower croaking call of her husband, and widens her eyes and mouth when she sees him looking for her on the other side of the dock. She runs to him happily, squealing, and they embrace.
As Din and (y/n) approaches with the Child in his pod by their side, the Frog Man lifts the egg canister off of his wife’s back, and looks at the eggs inside, as he converses intimately with his wife. The Child looks up to the hunters, all of whom were watching the two, and coos at them longingly. “We know you’re hungry. We’ll get you something to eat.” (y/n) assures him and The Child looks back down at the eggs, whimpering.
The Frog Man stands up and grabs Din’s and (y/n)’s arms, sincerely thanking them for their help in transporting his wife. “You’re welcome. We were told you could lead us to others of my kind.” Din said and The Frog Man nods and points over to a building, grunting in his odd language.
“The inn? Over there?” Din asked while The Frog Man kneels back down to his wife and their eggs, as Din and (y/n) looks over to see a mysterious woman in a cloak watching them from afar, amongst the crates on the dock. As several Trask inhabitants pass by her, she vanishes.
The hunters look on suspiciously before turning to each other, as if to confirm that they both saw the same thing then they continue to follow the Frog Lady and the Frog Man across the docks and to the inn.
Inside of the inn, a viscous soup is being sloshed into a bowl from a tube by a Mon Calamari server. The Quarren at the table pulls the bowl towards him once it has filled, and begins eating it. Other Mon Calamari, Quarren, and a few humans dot the cantina. The Frog Man enters first, waving to a Mon Calamari server, who waves back. The two Frog people point to the inside of the inn. “Thank you.” Din and (y/n) tells them as a Server walks up to them.
“Have a seat over there." The server said as he gestures to a table, where Din and (y/n) sit down. The Child is already at the table in his pod. The Mon Calamari server approaches the table slowly. "What can I get you?” the server asked. (Y/n) shakes her head as Din said. “Nothing for me. A bowl of chowder for our friend.”
“These seats are scarce, buddy. Everyone seated needs to eat.” The server said. “We can buy something else.” Din said and he places three Calamari Flan on the table, sliding them forward. “Information.” he said and the server takes the money.
“Have you seen others that look like him?” (Y/n) asked as she gestures to Din. The server looks over his shoulder and glances at another part of the room, before pulling down a tube and filling the Child’s bowl with the viscous soup. “Others with beskar have been through here." The server said as he lifts the tube up and slides the bowl up to the Child.
”Who can take us to them?“ Din asked. "I know someone who might help.” The Mon Calamari server said before he turns and walks over to another table to speak to a Quarren ferryman, as the Child pokes at his soup.
As the Child is poking at his food with his large wooden spoon, a small, tan squid-like creature jumps out of it, sticking to his face. He cries out, scared. As the Quarren ferryman walks over to the table, Din and (y/n) looks over to the Child.
“Don’t play with your food.” Din said before he pokes the creature lightly with his knife, causing it to fall back into the bowl, and the Child to calm down. The Child looks back into the bowl and then back up at Din and (y/n), then back down to the bowl again, as the Quarren ferryman sits down at their table.
“Hmm. You seek others of your kind?” The ferryman questions. “Have you seen them?” (y/n) asked. “Aye. I can bring you to them.” the ferryman chuckles. “Where?” Din asked. “Only a few hours’ sail. It’ll cost you, though.” the Ferryman said.
Sometime later, the large trawler traveling along the ocean, with a Quarren crew on board, handing over ropes to one another and unloading barrels, etc. Din, (y/n) and the Child are at the side railing, looking out into the oceans of Trask.
The ferryman walks up to the hunters and rest his hand on the railing of the ship, holding a large metal rod. “You ever see a Mamacore eat? Quite a sight. Child might take an interest.” the ferryman said and the Child looks up to the hunters, cooing. They look at him in return.
“You should take a look. Come on over here. Get a good view. Let the kid see." The Quarren ferryman said then he leads the hunters and the Child over to a large pit in the middle of the trawler, covered by a gate of metal bars.
As the ferryman pulls a rope to drop a next of fish into the pit, the Child’s pod goes up to the edge of the pit, and (y/n) blocks him from going any further. "All right, close enough.” She said. The Quarren ferryman grunts as he adjusts the rope, and the gate slides open.
“There we go.” He said as another Quarren pulls a lever, and the next splits open, spilling the fish out into the watery pit. Everyone watches as bubbles emerge from the depths of the water. “She must be hungry. Oftentimes we’ll feed her in the early morning, but we missed that ‘cause we were goin’ out of port!” the ferryman said and, at this last word, the Quarren ferryman hits the Child’s pod into the watery pit with the large metal rod that he is holding.
“No!” Din and (y/n) shout as the Child and his pod float right into the middle of the pit, and the very large, toothed mouth of the Mamacore soon emerges, eating the pod whole, just before the top part closes.
Din and (y/n) dive in hurriedly, and a Quarren crewmate quickly closes the gate. “Lock it up! Go, go! Now! Go! The beskar is ours!” the ferryman said and he and the others laughing maniacally.
Din and (y/n) quickly emerges from the underwater tank, grabbing the bars at the top and coughing. “Drown ‘em!” the ferryman shouts and one of the Quarren crewmates sticks their metal pole through the bars, trying to push the hunters back down into the watery depths. Multiple others do it as well.
The hunters cough as one of the metal poles hits (y/n), disorienting her and submerging her back into the waters. “(Y/n)!” Din exclaims and he dives back into the water. The Quarrens look down into the pit, still laughing.
“We’re rich, brothers!” The ferryman exclaims but Din emerges yet again from the waters of the dark pit, his left arm wrapped around (y/n)'s waist as she was knocked out. Some Quarrens gasp. “They didn’t sink! Finish them! Keep them down!” the ferryman shouts.
The crewmates oblige, continuing to intensely jam their metal poles into the cage. Din continues coughing as all of the Quarren continue jabbing their metal poles into him while he holds (y/n) close to him.
Suddenly, he sees another Mandalorian rocket down from the sky and kick one of the Quarren down from through the bars. She shoots this Quarren in the head, and then proceeds to fight off two others. Another female Mandalorian appears, kicking one of the Quarren. Din continues to cough in the pit, as the first Mandalorian who appeared fist-fights with a Quarren, stabbing him and then banging him up against a hard metal pole.
The other female Mandalorian throws a Quarren overboard, and a male Mandalorian comes down with the help of his jetpack and fights three Quarren at the same time, knocking one out. The other two are grappled at the ankles by the other two Mandalorian, and thrown down. The male Mandalorian shoots both of them once they’ve been pulled down.
As Din coughs, the first female Mandalorian looks into the pit towards him. The barred gate is pulled back, presumably operated by one of the other Mandalorians. The female Mandalorian reaches her hand out to Din. “Take my hand.” she said and the second female Mandalorian comes up next to her.
Din takes the female Mandalorian’s hand, and is slowly pulled out of the water while the second female Mandalorian grabs (y/n) and pulls her up as (y/n) starts to cough and wake up. “There’s a creature. It has the Child.” Din tells them. “On it!” the second female Mandalorian dives into the watery pit, as the other one helps Din and (y/n) sit down on a tangled up pile of thick ropes.
“The Child. Help the Child.” (Y/n) said, weakly, as she opens her eyes and Din looks over at her. “Don’t worry. We’ve got this.” The first female Mandalorian assures and she walks up next to the male Mandalorian, and the two mysterious figures in blue, white, and black armor watch the water. Din and (y/n) stay back on the pile of ropes, still breathing very heavily, then Din turns to (y/n).
“You okay?” He asked her and she nods. “Yeah…yeah…” she said, breathless.
The Mamacore is screeching from underwater, and there is blaster fire heard. Yellowish-white flashes can be seen from the surface of the water. The screeching soon stops, and the water is still for a moment, before the female Mandalorian comes bursting out, going up in the air and then landing back on the trawler’s surface.
She brings the bent pod of the Child to Din and (y/n), and tears off one side of the dented metal casing, grabbing the unharmed Child from inside and handing him to the hunters. “Here you go, little one.” she said and Din and (y/n), both still panting heavily and dripping wet, make sure the Child is uninjured.
The other three mysterious Mandalorians watch them as they do so. The two look up to them. “Thank you. We’ve been searching for more of our kind.” Din said to them. “Well, lucky we found you first.” the first female Mandalorian said. “We’ve been quested to deliver this Child. We were hoping that…” (y/n) started to explain but stops speaking to the others, as the three remove their helmets.
The hunters stand up, as the Child looks to the three, and then back up at Din and (y/n).
“Where did you get that armor?” Din asked them, angrily. “This armor has been in my family for three generations.” the red-headed woman said. “You do not cover your face. You are not Mandalorian.” (y/n) said and the man, Axe Woves, looks them over and notices (y/n)’s Mandalorian armor.
“They’reone of them.” He tells to the red-headed woman. “Dank farrik.” The woman mutters. “One of what?” Din asked. “I am Bo-Katan of Clan Kryze. I was born on Mandalore and fought in the Purge. I am the last of my line. And you two are a Child of the Watch.” Bo-Katan said.
“The Watch?” (Y/n) asked, confused. “Children of the Watch are a cult of religious zealots that broke away from Mandalorian society. Their goal was to re-establish the ancient way.” Bo-Katan replied and the Child looks up at Din and (y/n).
“There is only one way. The Way of the Mandalore.” Din said and he and (y/n) walk away from an annoyed-looking Bo-Katan Kryze, and quickly use their jetpacks to fly off of the old, ransacked trawler. The second female Mandalorian, Koska Reeves, and Axe Woves, the male Mandalorian, look at each other, and Bo-Katan sighs.
The three Mandalorians led by Bo-Katan fly off of the ship and it soon explodes. It sinks once they leave, as Din and (y/n) watch from the docks. They turn around and walk away.
That night, the two hunters walk along the docks as large trawler with a huge tower on its back departs from the ports behind him. As they walk amongst the cargo on the dock, they hear some bizarre metal clanging. Suddenly, a Quarren’s voice calls out towards them. “Hey! You…”
The tough-looking Quarren thug walks out from behind some cargo with a metal bar in his hand. He slowly approaches the duo, as do multiple other Quarren from various sides. Din and (y/n) very slowly comes to a stop. “You killed my brother.” the thug said as many more Quarren begin to approach with metal bars and various different weapons for hurting the duo.
“Let us pass.” Din tells them and the thug chuckles. “I don’t think you understand.” he said and another Quarren positions himself with a medium-sized rifle behind a large cargo bin. (Y/n) looks over to him, as she prepares the rifle to fire, seemingly charging it up.
“You killed my brother…and now, I’m gonna kill your pet.” The thug said and the Child whimpers in nervously, his ears going down. The Quarren continue to approach the duo, before the three other Mandalorian suddenly and very quickly descend from the sky, flanking the duo.
“He didn’t kill your brother. I did.” Bo-Katan said.
The Quarren thug looks to her in confusion for a moment, before she and her two comrades very quickly pull their blasters out, shooting down all of the Quarren thugs on the dock, including the ones behind them. They slip their blasters back away in their holsters, and Bo-Katan turns to the duo. “Can we at least buy you a drink?” she asked them.
The four Mandalorian, the Dar'manda and the Child gather around a table in the back of the inn. Din had not removed his helmet, but all of the others have in order to eat. “Trask is a black market port. They’re staging weapons that have been bought and sold with the plunders of our planet. We’re seizing those weapons and using them to retake our home world. Once we’ve done that, we’ll seat a new Mandalore on the throne.” Bo-Katan informs the two hunters.
“That planet is cursed. Anyone who goes there dies. Once the Empire knew they couldn’t control it, they made sure no one else could either.” Din said. “Don’t believe everything you hear. Our enemies wanna seperate us. But Mandalorians are stronger together.” Bo-Katan said. “That’s not part of pur plan. We’ve been quested with returning this Child to the Jedi.” (Y/n) said as she nods at the Child.
“What do you know of the Jedi?” Bo-Katan asked them. “Nothing. We were hoping you would help us by Creed.” Din said to her. The Child looks on and whimpers from his seat at the table, as Koska Reeves sucks a tentacle up from her soup, which the Child looks very interested in. Bo-Katan and Axe Woves look at each other unsurely.
“I can lead you to one of their kind. But first, we need your help on our mission.” Bo-Katan said. “Mission?” (y/n) asked and Bo-Katan looks to her, raising her eyebrows.
Early next morning, the four Mandalorian and the Dar'manda were on top of the Razor Crest, looking out at a large freighter floating above the Trask waters at the docks. “You see that Imperial Gozanti freighter? It’s being loaded with weapons as we speak. According to the port’s manifest, it’s scheduled to depart at first light.” Bo-Katan said.
“So we stow away?” Din asked her. “We’ve been hitting ‘em pretty hard. They scan for life forms as a precaution before pushing back.” Koska said. “If you wanna do this with five, you’re gonna need the element of surprise.” (y/n) said. “Exactly. The freighter will maintain trawling speed while inside the shipping lanes and then ascend in orbit. We’ll jet up when they’re cruising at low speed in atmosphere. The tower won’t allow them to climb until they’ve left the port’s airspace.” Bo-Katan said.
“Troopers?” Din asked her. “A squad at most.” Bo-Katan said. “And they couldn’t hit the side of a Bantha.” Axe said as Koska Reeves smirks as Bo-Katan turns around and looks at the hunters, who nods.
Later, Din was knocking on a metal door. It opens up to reveal the Frog Lady and Frog Man, sitting at their table with their egg canister. “Something’s come up. Can we leave him with you for a bit?” Din asked them. The Frog Lady responds, croaking a bit and agreeing. Din and (y/n) walk through the door, and Din begins speaking to the Child. The door closes behind them.
“You are gonna stay here, so we want you to be respectful. And mind your manners.” Din said as he hands the Child to the Frog Lady, who takes him in her arms. “You know what I’m talking about.” he said, firmly, and the Frog Lady says something else in Frog to them. “Thanks.” the two hunters said.
The Frog Lady holds the Child up to the side of the egg tank so he can look in, as the hunters exit the room. “We’ll be back for him.” (Y/n) tells them as they leave. The Child touches the egg canister and looks inside curiously. A small baby frog hatches from one of the eggs, and the Child opens his mouth and coos in excitement, watching it swim.
Meanwhile, a large Imperial Gozanti freighter lifting up from the docks of Trask, slowly travelling up above the water. It slowly lifts higher and higher up into the air, just as the four Mandalorians and Dar'manda fly above it, ready to land on it. They quickly fly above it and then down on it.
On the outer rails, two Stormtroopers are stationed. Axe Woves lands first, knocking one of them off of the railing. The other Stormtrooper is quickly taken out by Bo-Katan. As the gang lands, another Stormtrooper exits the ship onto the railing, closing the door so they can’t get in.
“Pirates.” A Stormtrooper shouts but is quickly dispatched by Bo-Katan, as Koska Reeves lands. Grabbing around the Stormtrooper, Koska flies off on her jetpack, still holding him, as he screams. Inside of the ship, the signature Imperial alarm is blaring off, as the Imperial captain who runs it walks past two Stormtroopers and into the cockpit with the pilots, a freighter pilot and a security officer. “Pirates again.” a Security Officer said.
Suddenly, the Stormtrooper’s body that Koska Reeves has been carrying, is thrown up against the windshield of the ship’s cockpit. He sticks for a moment, grunts and groans a bit, before being pulled off again, screaming, by the force of the wind as the freighter moves. The security officer widens his eyes, and turns around to look at the Imperial captain. The captain turns around to his Stormtroopers nearby.
“Guard that hall.” the captain orders then he turns back to his officers in the cockpit. “Seal the hatch.” he orders. “Yes, sir.” The pilot obliges, pressing a button that closes the door into the cockpit. The captain looks very resolute.
Axe opens the door to get inside of the ship with a device that extends from his wrist cuffs. The door is opened, and the gang draw their weapons, with Bo-Katan extending a knife from her wrist. Two large doors open and three Stormtroopers run out from somewhere inside of the ship. “A breach in security. Check the exterior door.” a Stormtrooper said.
Suddenly, Bo-Katan enters the ship, very quickly dispatching the three Stormtroopers, shooting and stabbing them. The others enter behind her, and they begin to walk along the inside hallway. More doors open, and multiple Stormtroopers exit. The group draws their weapons, as a large barrage of blaster fire comes at them, doing no damage, as they’re all wearing very resilient beskar armor while (y/n) uses her wristlet shields.
On one side of the hallway, Bo-Katan and Axe stand behind a console up against the wall, Koska, (y/n) and Din doing the same on the other side. Quickly, Bo-Katan exits the hiding place, and the others flank her. They are able to quickly shoot down many other Stormtroopers. They duck in hiding again.
After a moment, Koska nods to Axe and Bo-Katan, who emerge from their hiding place and begin shooting, followed by the others. Soon, all of the Stormtroopers have been shot down. The three Trask-based Mandalorians continue to confidently walk along the hallway, shooting control consoles and other things. Din and (y/n) share a looks before they reluctantly follow behind them.
“What’s going on? How many of them are there?” the captain asked through a comlink. “Hard to say. At least ten, maybe more.” the Stormtrooper replies. “Sir, there are only five life forms.” a Security officer said. “Wait, they’re Mandalorian. We’ve-” the Stormtrooper said before he screams.
Blaster fire is heard through the comlink as the Stormtrooper is presumably shot down. The security officer turns his head back around and looks at the Imperial captain. The captain says nothing, just continues to stare forward out of the window. The security officer turns back to the control console in front of him.
“They’re headed towards the cargo bay.” The Security officer said. “How long until we clear the atmosphere and can make the jump to hyperspace?” the captain asked the pilot. “We can’t climb until we leave the harbor zone, sir.” One of the pilots replied and the Captain puts his hands on both of the pilot’s seats.
“Climb now.” he orders. The two Imperials piloting the ship hesitate before the captain shouts. “Climb now.” The two pilots accelerate the engines of the transport, and it begins raising higher and higher as they pull back gradually on the levers. The engines surge, causing the water of the seas of Trask below them to be pushed back and spray out. The ship rapidly climbs upwards.
The group exits out of two sliding doors and see at the end of the corridor, there is a large contingent of Stormtroopers. “Look! Over there! Stop them!” a Stormtrooper said. The two parties begin shooting at each other, and the group hide behind some metal doors that are mostly opened, on either side of the corridor.
Din quickly rolls a beeping smoke bomb into the hallway towards the feet of the Stormtroopers. As the Stormtroopers continue advancing and shooting, the bomb explodes, leaving a shroud of grey smoke in the hallway, greatly obscuring the Stormtrooper’s views.
Looking through their thermal scanners on their helmets, the group walk out into the smoke and blast the Stormtroopers, who scream. They soon have all of them down, and continue moving through the ship. In another part of the ship, Stormtroopers are handing large guns to each other to prepare for their arrival.
“Go, go, go!”
The Stormtroopers begin advancing down the halls. Two of them run into the cargo bay, where a deck officer is stationed with multiple other Stormtroopers. The deck officer quickly speaks to the cockpit through his comlink. “What’s happening?” The deck officer asked. “The intruders are heading your way.” security officer said.
Back in the cockpit, the Imperial captain addresses the deck officer through comlink. “Just hold them off long enough until we can make the jump to hyperspace and rendezvous with the fleet.” The captain said. “Copy.” the deck officer said and he, nervously, lowers the comlink, and soon raises his blaster, speaking to all of the Stormtroopers stationed all around him.
“We need to hold them off until we can make the jump to hyperspace.” He orders. The Imperials nervously watch the elevator doors, seeing three white hexagons lighting up in succession. It is tense, and the Stormtroopers ready their weapons.
Soon after the third hexagon lights up, the group exits the elevator, shooting and demolishing the Stormtroopers in the hallway before them. “Close the doors.” the deck officer said. “Sir?” A Stormtrooper said, confused. “Close the doors!” the the officer shouts.
The officer runs to hide behind a cargo crate in a panic, as the Mandalorians and the Dar'manda continue blasting through the other Stormtroopers. “Which one?” a Stormtrooper asked. “All of them! All of them!” the deck officer shouts and one of the Stormtroopers presses a button on a control panel, closing one of the doors.
Bo-Katan shoots a few more Stormtroopers before the last doors close the Mandalorians out from the cargo bay. The Imperial deck officer sighs in immense relief, getting up from behind the crates of cargo and speaking back into the comlink. “I think we have them trapped, sir.” the officer said
“Trapped them where?” the Captain asked. “In the cargo control area.” the officer replied and the Captain widens his eyes. “Where?” he asked again. “In the cargo control area-” the officer said before he and Stormtroopers are soon shot out of the back of the large freighter, flying down to the seas, screaming.
As the alarms blare and the people scream through the comlinks, the two pilots in the cockpit look shocked, and the captain looks extremely annoyed. The security officer reluctantly turns on one of the comlinks. “Come in. Do you copy?” the Security officer asked while the group remove the lids off of large cargo bins, where there are sets of guns and other various weapons packed up tightly.
“Do you copy?” The officer asked then Bo-Katan, who has since take off her helmet, speaks through the comlink to the cockpit. “I copy. Thanks for packing up all this gear so nicely. Imagine what a division of us can do…when we get our hands on what’s inside these shiny little boxes.” she said as Koska Reeves takes a large gun out of a box and looks it over.
“If you think you’re going to escape with those weapons, you are sadly mistaken. Even if you’ve managed to jettison a few of those crates, we will comb the entire area until you are hunted down and killed.” The captain threatens. “Oh, we’re not jettisoning anything. We’re taking the entire ship.” Bo-Katan said and Din and (y/n) looks over at her, shocked and confused.
“What?” They said and Koska Reeves looks back at them as she’s examining a large rifle-like gun. “Put some tea on. We’ll be up in a minute.” Bo-Katan said and she switches the comlink off, as (y/n) approaches her. “This is more than we signed up for.” She said, angrily. “There is something I need, if I am to rule Mandalore. Something that was once mine. They know where it is, and soon, so will I. Regardless, we are taking the ship for the battles ahead.” she said.
“Wegot you your weapons. We have to return to my ship with the foundling.” Din said as he walks up next to (y/n). “If you two want my help finding the Jedi, both of you will help me take this ship.” Bo-Katan said. “You’re changing the terms of the deal.” Din said. “This is the Way.” Bo-Katan said then she smugly walks away from Din and (y/n). Axe Woves and Koska Reeves follow her, all three of them placing their helmets on as they walk off.
Din and (y/n) share a look and (y/n) let’s out a heavy sigh before she mutters. “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” Then she walks off, Din follows her.
“What is it, Captain?” Gideon said through the hologram call. “Another pirate hijacking.” the captain replied. “Were you able to eliminate them?” Gideon asked. “No. We need backup immediately.” said the Captain. “Are these the same pirates that have attacked our other vessels?” Gideon asked. “They appear to be, sir.” said the Captain.
“How far have they gotten?” Gideon asked. “They’ve breached the cargo hold and taken everything but the bridge. We require immediate backup.” the captain said. “If they’ve taken that much of the ship, I’m afraid that’s no longer an option. You know what to do. Long live the Empire.” Gideon said before the call ends.
“Long live the Empire.” The captain said before he quickly takes his blaster off of his belt and shoots the two piloting officers. They scream out in pain and fall to the ground, as the captain takes the security officer’s pilot chair, pushing the rest of his slumped body out of the way.
The captain grabs the steering mechanism of the vessel, and flicks a few switches, soon pushing the steering mechanism forward. The ship begins to go downwards towards the sea. The group began stumbling around unsteadily, Bo-Katan grunts in frustration.
“They’re taking the ship down. Let’s move!” Bo-Katan shouts and the group follows her, their guns drawn, and they come to the final hallway leading up to the bridge. “There’s the bridge. Come on!” she said just as a relatively large contingent of Stormtroopers reveal themselves in front of them.
“Blast them!” the Stormtrooper shouts as they quickly begin shooting, and the group duck for cover on either side of the hallway. The red blaster fire is shooting out rapidly.
“How many troopers?” Bo-Katan asked. “Six to ten. Two with heavy repeating blasters.” Axe replied. “We’re losing altitude fast.” Koska said. “We need to move now.” Bo-Katan shouted. “They have too much firepower!” Axe exclaim. “Still dropping. Ten thousand.” Kosha informs as the ship continues going down more and more towards the sea, and through the clouds.
“We’ll never make it to the bridge in time!” Axe said as Din looks over at the troopers at the end of the hallway with his thermal vision. “Eight thousand.” Kosha counts as Din quickly tucks his blaster away and activates two thermal detonators then turns to (y/n) and the others. “Cover me.” He said.
He quickly runs out into the hallway, his beskar armor being hit constantly with the immense firepower. He stumbles around as he runs the others begin to shoot after him at the Stormtroopers as well. Din eventually falls to the ground, but is able to throw the two thermal detonators into the corridor with the Stormtroopers. They blow up quite quickly.
The explosions shoot out through the corridors towards Din and he ducks and covers as the flames shoot past him and soon dissipate. The others quickly run out as Din hurriedly gets up. Axe Woves stays somewhat behind the others to guard them from behind. “Come on!” Din shouts.
As the Imperial captain continues driving the freighter towards the sea, the cockpit doors slide open, and Din stumbles in. The captain is hurriedly pulled out of his seat by Din, who soon occupies by the seat, while (y/n) gets in the other seat.
Bo-Katan grabs the captain and pushes him up against the wall, holding the knife on her wrist to him. Din and (y/n) strain to stabilize the ship. “Where is it?” she asked the captain. “Where’s what?” he asked with a growl. “The Darksaber. Does he have it?” Bo-Katan asked, a bit louder. “If you’re asking, you already know.” the captain said while Din and (y/n) continue to try to stabilize the freighter.
“Easy. Easy.” Din said, calmly, until they were able to set the freighter stabilized just before it hits the water, nearly crashing into another boat on the water with a large metal part sticking up from it. The transport begins to ascend higher into the air again.
Din and (y/n) begin panting, as Din flicks a few switches while Bo-Katan continues to confront the Imperial captain. “I’ll let you live. But you will take me to him.” she said. “You might let me live, but he won’t.” the captain said before he quickly bites down on a capsule in his mouth that electrocutes him. “No!” Bo-Katan shouts before he falls to the floor, dead.
“We have to go. He sent a distress signal.” (Y/n) informs her just as Koska comes in. Bo-Katan turns to her. “Clear the atmosphere and prepare to jump.” she orders and Kosha nods. Din exits from his seat and Kosha takes it, (y/n) exists her seat as her and Din prepare to leave the giant freighter.
“Are you sure you two won’t join us?” Bo-Katan asked them. “There’s something we need to do.” Din said. “The offer stands if you change your mind.” Bo-Katan said. “Where can we find the Jedi?” (y/n) asked her. Bo-Katan removes her helmet and looks up at them.
“Take the foundling to the city of Calodan on the forest planet of Corvus. There you will find Ahsoka Tano. Tell her you two were sent by Bo-Katan. And thank you. Your bravery will not be forgotten. This is the Way.” She replied. “This is the Way.” Din said as (y/n) nods.
The two hunters turn around and walk out of the cockpit, the doors sliding closed behind them. They exit on the side rail, where they quickly jump off, then proceed to activate their jetpack and fly back to the Trask docks.
Meanwhile at the Frog Lady and Frog Man’s residency, one of the couple’s tadpoles is in a small wooden bowl of water, and the Child is curiously playing with it, cooing. Three sharp knocks are heard on the door, and the two hunters come in. “Thank you for watching him.” (y/n) tells them as Din goes over to the Child.
“Okay, kid. Come on. It’s time to go.” he said as he picks up the Child, who begins squealing and crying, still wanting to stay with the tadpole. “Let go. Come on, kid.” he said as he gets the Child and turns to Frog couple. "Congratulations.“ he tells them
The Frog Man says something in Frog in response, as the two exit with the Child. "No, we have enough pets.” Din said. The door closes behind them and the Child as they exit. Once it is closed, the Frog Lady and the Frog Man bump noses lovingly and continue to play with their newborn child.
Back at the docks, the duo approaches the Razor Crest, which has clearly been very poorly fixed up. Odd ropes and panels wrap around it, and are stuck to it. The Mon Calamari dock worker walks up next to Din, his hands on his hips, as the two look at the ship in a bit of disbelief.
“I gave you a thousand credits, this was the best you could do?” Din asked, annoyed. Without a word, the dock worker holds out the data pad for Din to pay. He reluctantly clicks two things, and the dock worker lowers the pad.
The duo slowly approaches the ship and walk into the cockpit, the doors sliding open. Fishnets are draped around, seemingly holding everything together, rope and seaweed scattered around, tying various things together.
(y/n) pushes a piece of netting aside as she and Din step into the cockpit. The doors close behind them, and Din hands the Child to (y/n), who sits in the passenger’s seat, and he goes to sit in the pilot’s seat. He continues to look around in annoyance.
“Mon Calamari.” He grumbles as he flicks a few things to start up the ship, the Child coos. “Unbelievable.” Din mutters and the ship begins shakily leaving the docks, and it bounces around unpleasantly.
Din flips a few more switches as the ship takes off and he bounces a bit around. The Child notices a tan tentacled creature crawling up the ropes towards him. He watches it as it begins to descend down a rope right down to him.
(Y/n), who was looking out the window, looks up and quickly grabs the creature. The Child giggles and laughs a bit, as the landing gear of the ship is tucked away, and it is able to properly leave Trask’s atmosphere. Small metal pieces fly off of it as it flies away.
“We finally know where we’re taking you. But it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.” (Y/n) tells the Child as he sucks down the tentacle of the odd creature that she had just caught.
The Razor Crest flies out of Trask’s atmosphere and back into space. It flies off into hyperspace, a sheet of metal detaching from it as it does, and spinning around in space for a bit after the ship has left.
“I still can’t believe you did that.” Din said to (y/n) as they shoot across the Tatooine desert on the speeder. The Child, hitched onto the side in his little tan pouch, squints as sand particles fly into his face. “Like I said, I didn’t have time to explain. It was a quick decision.” (Y/n) explained and Din sighs. “I know…it just…it scared me when I saw that creature….” he stops and (y/n) frowns then places her hand on his shoulder. “Hey, I’m still here. That’s all that matters.” She said as he looks over his shoulder at her.
“I also didn’t know you had your helmet.” He said and (y/n) looks down. “I-I couldn’t part with it. But…that was the first time I’ve put it on since…” she stops and looks away. Din doesn’t reply and turns his head forward while (y/n) leans her head against his shoulder.
Meanwhile, close by, a Nikto is hammering a metal spike into some rock. He turns and looks over his shoulder, alert. Another of his accomplices - a human - looks up as well. The Nikto hears the roaring of the hunter’s speeder, approaching the rock gully where he and his accomplices are laying out their trap, and looks back down, continuing to hammer in the spike.
The old Mandalorian helmet that was given to Din and (y/n) by Cobb Vanth bounces slightly on the side of their speeder, as they approach the rock gully. Din accelerates even more, going quite fast now.
The Nikto and his accomplices loop a rope around the metal spike, and bury the rest of the rope in the sand. A metal rod is cranked down. The hunters are nearly upon them now, and just before they pass them, the human pulls up the rope, causing it to block the hunters' path. They fly off of the speeder, the Child and the damaged Mandalorian helmet of Vanth’s rolling onto the ground.
Quickly activating their jetpacks, Din and (y/n) stumble and land, as the speeder blows up, utterly destroyed. The bounty hunters reveal themselves and begin shooting Din in his beskar armor while (y/n) dodges the shots. The Child sits helpless in the sand.
“Get the Child!” The human hunter orders and a small alien with a metallic-looking face, speaks something in his alien language and nods, as the Nikto and human approach Din and (y/n), shooting them. Another burly human comes from the rocks behind the hunters and runs towards them with a metal rod.
The small alien draws his small gun, and just before the burly human is able to hit Din’s pistol out of his hand, (y/n) shoots the small alien, blowing him back, but not hurting him too badly. The burly human swings at Din, hitting the rock as he dodges the vicious attacks.
The small alien gets up and limps behind some short rocks, pulling open the case to a much larger gun - seemingly a rifle of some sort. Din, (y/n) and the burly human continue to brawl, but Din slices him in the neck and chest area, incapacitating him. Very quickly, the other human and the Nikto approach them.
The small alien comes out of the rocks with the large gun, as Din and (y/n) tussles with the other two. The small alien activates the rifle and points it at the four tussling people, and Din grapples out the hook on his wrist, pulling the rifle out of the small alien’s hands and towards him. It slams into the heads of the two larger attackers, knocking them out, and to the sandy ground, as Din and (y/n) ducks.
They stumble forward then they look to see that the small alien has the Child in his arms, holding a knife to him. “Wait! Don’t hurt the Child. If you put one mark on him, there’s no place you will be able to hide from us. We can strike a bargain. There’s a lot of value in this wreckage. Take your pick.” Din said as (y/n) senses that the Child was beyond terrified.
The Child coos, as the small alien looks around and contemplates this. The alien looks over and notices the Mandalorian helmet lying in the sand. “But leave the Child.” Din tells him. The small alien gestures upwards, pointing his knife to Din and saying something in his odd alien dialect. He gestures for Din to put something on the ground. Din grabs his jetpack and pulls it off his back.
“Okay. Here. It’s yours.” Din said and the alien slowly and cautiously sets the jetpack on the ground, stepping back. “Take it.” Din said and the small alien points his knife towards Din and (y/n), gesturing for them to back up more. “It’s okay.” Din said as (y/n) gives him a confused look. He looks over at her and nods and she backs up with him.
The small alien finally sets the Child down next to the jetpack, and picks the large metal device up, saying something to the hunters in his alien language, and quickly running off into the desert with the jetpack. The Child runs to Din and (y/n), whimpering, and (y/n) goes down and picks him up, nestling him in her arms.
“You okay?” She asked him as Din comes up next to her to look the Child over. The Child coos in what is seemingly some sort of a response. Din turns back to the small alien running away with his jetpack, and clicks some buttons on his wrist panel.
The jetpack activates and shoots up, with the alien screaming out in surprise. He clicks the buttons a few more times, and the alien eventually falls from a great height into the sand, dead. A cloud of sand puffs up from the impact of his body. The Child slowly turns his head and looks up at the two hunters, snorting. They shrug their shoulders and turn their heads, Din pressing a few more things on his wrist panel.
The jetpack slowly lowers itself out of the sky and lands in the sand, falling over onto its back with a clunk. The hunters avert their eyes from the jetpack and look up towards the wreckages of the speeder.
Sometime later, Din and (y/n) began travelling in the Tatooine desert, carrying a large pack on their backs, holding up their rifle with both hands as multiple bags and different things hang off of it. They walk along a ridge, and look towards Mos Eisley Spaceport on the horizon.
That night, walking through the streets of Mos Eisley, the Child, nestled in his pouch on the side of (y/n), chirps and coos, as strange aliens and vagabonds walk around them, and ships take off into the night sky from hangars across the city.
The two hunters pass two Jawas arguing over a metal tube and enters the Mos Eisley Cantina. As denizens chatter, they walk to a booth at the back where Peli Motto is playing Sabacc with an insectoid creature. Din and (y/n) approach the booth and stops, Motto still focused on the game.
“I don’t know. Looks like someone’s gonna be goin’ home empty-handed.” She said. The creature and Motto both stop and look over at Din and (y/n), and Motto notices the old Mandalorian helmet hanging from Din's traveling pack. “You finally found a Mandalorian and you killed him?” she asked. “He wasn’t Mandalorian. We bought this armor off of him, though.” (y/n) explains.
“What’d that set you back?” Peli asked. “Killed the Krayt Dragon for him.” Din replied. “Oh. Is that all?” she asked a bit, shocked. “He was our last lead on finding other Mandalorians.” Din said and the insectoid creature begins speaking to Peli in his alien language, to which she nods her head. She turns to the hunters.
“Okay. Well, you might be in luck. Dr. Mandible here says he can connect you with someone who can help you, if you cover his call this round. It’s what he said.” Peli said. “What’s the bet?” (y/n) asked her. “Five hundred.” Peli said. “That’s a high-stakes game.” Din said.
“Hey, he’s on a hot streak.” Peli replied and the Child coos, as Dr. Mandible says something else in his language. Din and (y/n) sigh and grabbed some credits and throwing them on the table. “Is the pot right?” Peli asked. Dr. Mandible says something in his language, and Peli reveals her cards on the table - an Idiot’s Array.
“Ha! Idiot’s Array! Pay up, thorax!” She exclaims and Dr. Mandible speaks in his alien language, as Peli takes her winnings. “I thought you said he was on a hot streak?” (y/n) asked her. “Oh. Stop your cryin’. You’ll rust.” Peli said then Dr. Mandible says something else to Peli, which she translates for the hunters.
“All right. He says the contact will rendezvous at the hangar.” She tells them then Dr. Mandible says something else. “They’ll tell you where to find some Mandalorians. That’s what you wanted, right? All right, well, stop your mopin’. More importantly, did you bring back any of that dragon meat? Better not have any maggots on it. I don’t like maggots.” She said and (y/n) rolls her eyes at this. As Din, (y/n) and Peli walk away, followed by R5-D4, Dr. Mandible shakes his head at Peli’s comment.
The Child watches the chunk of Krayt Dragon meat being cooked. The chunk of meat was being heated intensely by a podracer engine in Peli’s hangar, dripping of juices, and it is held up by a Treadwell droid. The Child coos in excitement as he watches it cook. Din, (y/n) and Pit Droids watch, as Peli Motto walks through the door, causing the Treadwell droid’s head to turn.
“Hey, don’t overcook it, Treadwell! I like it medium rare! I’m not some Rodian, for crying out loud.” She sighs, turning and addresses Din and (y/n), as a Gonk droid meanders around behind them. “All right, here’s the deal. A Mandalorian covert is close. It’s in this sector, one system trailing.” she explains.
“Are they the ones that left Nevarro?” Din asked her. “Don’t know. All I know is that the contact will lead you to them.” Peli said. “How much will it cost us?” (y/n) asked. “Well, that’s the great news. It’s free. Aside from a finder’s fee, of course.” Peli said.
“What’s the not-great news?” Din asked her. “Nothing. It’s all great.” Peli said. “Okay.” the two hunters said and they turn to leave, before Peli speaks up again. “However, there is one small skank in the scud pie.” she said and they turn back to her. “Which is?” they asked, in unison. “The contact wants passage to the system.” Peli replied.
“Do you vouch for them?” (Y/n) asked. “On my life.” she said. “Fine.” Din said and they again turn to leave, but Peli begins talking once more. “And…no hyperdrive.” she said and they turn back to her again. “You want us to travel sublight? Deal’s off.” Din said. “It’s one sector over.” Peli exclaims.
“Moving fast is the only thing keeping us safe.” (Y/n) tells her. “These are mitigating circumstances.” Peli said. “What do you mean mitigating?” Din asked her. Peli turns around, as a Frog Lady walks through the door to the hangar, croaking a bit. She is holding a pack on her back, which is a tank of many orange eggs. She croaks as she walks over to the three having a conversation.
Din puts his hands on his hips. “We’re not a taxi service.” he said, firmly. “I know, I know, I hear you. But I can vouch for her.” she said as the Frog Lady comes up and stands next to Peli, speaking in her Frog language. The Child looks curiously at the eggs on her back in the blue tank.
“What’s the cargo?” (Y/n) asked. Peli asks the Frog Lady in her native language, to which the Frog Lady responds. Peli then translates for the hunters. “It’s her spawn. She needs her eggs fertilized by the equinox or her line will end. If you jump into hyperspace, they’ll die. She said her husband has settled on the estuary moon of Trask in the system of the gas giant Kol Iben.” she said.
“She said all that?” Din asked her. “I paraphrased.” Peli said. “Is she sure there are Mandalorians there?” (y/n) asked then Peli asks the Frog Lady, who responds in her language, and then turns back to the hunters. “She said her husband has seen them.” she said.
As the Frog Lady speaks in her language a bit more, the Child stares intently at the egg pack mounted on her back, cooing curiously. The Frog Lady turns and walks towards the Razor Crest, croaking a bit more. “Do you know the husband?” Din asked Peli. “No. I just met her ten minutes before you walked in.” Peli said as a Pit Droid walks up to Peli with a plate of Krayt Dragon meat.
“I thought you said you vouched for her on your life.” (Y/n) said, raising an eyebrow at Peli. Peli grabs a piece of the meat off the plate and takes a large bite, chomping into it. “What can I say? I’m an excellent judge of character.” she said then the two hunters exchange a look.
Later, the Razor Crest flies through space, away from Tatooine. Din adjusts a few things in the cockpit of the ship before e addresses the Frog Lady. “Now, I’m gonna ask you to stay strapped in whenever you’re seated. Traveling sublight is a bit dicey these days. Whether it’s pirates or warlords, someone either ends up with a nice chunk of change, or your ship.” he said and the Frog Lady says something in her language.
“We don’t speak whatever language that is. You speak…Huttese?” (Y/n) said then she says something in Huttese then to havaka, but the Frog Lady continues to stare at them, seemingly clueless.
Din and (y/n) turn away from her and Din flicks a switch, sighing. The Child peeking around a corner of the interior of the ship, looking towards the canister of eggs sitting on the floor. He coos as he walks slowly towards it, going up to it and looking into it, pressing his face and hands up against the glass.
He quickly turns around to see if anyone is nearby, looking at the ladder up to the cockpit, and once he sees that no one is there, he turns back to the eggs, cooing as he puts his right hand on the glass, pulling the eggs around with the force closer to him.
In the cockpit, Din’s data pad shows the course, setting it on auto-pilot. Din then flicks a few more switches. “So, I’m gonna hit the rack. I’ve set the nav for our course. It’s gonna take a while. I recommend you get some rest.” Din said as he gets up and (y/n) gets up as well.
They walk out of the cockpit, the shiny grey door sliding open for them. The Frog Lady looks up to them as they exit, and then turns her head when they leave, croaking. Din swiftly slides down the ladder, and into the bottom part of the ship then he waits for (y/n) as she comes down. He holds up a hand to help her and she lands down. He opens the sleeping rack to see that the Child is not there.
“Kid?” He asked as the two look around. Slurping is heard as they turn around to find the Child with the egg container, the lid open. The Child is lifting an egg out of the gooey liquid. The hunters quickly run towards him. “No, no, no, no, no!” they said but the Child slurps the egg down before the hunters can do anything about it. Din quickly flips the lid closed while (y/n) picks the Child up and facing her.
“That is not food. Don’t do that again.” She scowls then the Child burps. Din and (y/n) turns to go over to the sleeping rack. “Nap time.” (Y/n) said as she sets the Child in the small hammock-like pouch at the top of the rack, and the Child coos. Din gestures for (y/n) to get in and she crawls in underneath the Child and Din follows her and lays next to her. The two hunters fall asleep as the door closes behind them.
Suddenly, beeping is heard, and the hunters crawl out of their sleeping quarters. They swiftly climb the ladder up to the cockpit, as some red lights flash around them. The door to the cockpit opens and they walk through, swiftly pushing their chairs around so they can easily sit in it, and sitting down.
The Frog Lady is sleeping in the other passenger seat. Din flicks a comm on, and the voice of an X-Wing pilot comes through it. "Razor Crest, M-One Eleven. Come in, Razor Crest. Do you copy?“ Captain Teva asked as they look out the window and see two X-Wings flying up to the ship, cruising along with it, one on each side.
As the Frog Lady lightly snores in the background, Din hesitantly speaks to the pilot. "This is Razor Crest. Is there a problem?” he asked. “We noticed your transponder is not emitting.” Teva replied. “Yes, I’m pre-Empire surplus. I’m not required to run a beacon.” Din informed. “That was before. This sector is under New Republic jurisdiction. All craft are required to run a beacon.” Teva tells him.
“Thank you for letting me know. I’ll get right on it.” Din said. “Not a problem. Safe travels.” Teva said. “May the Force be with you.” Din said. “And also with you.” Teva said and (y/n) let’s out a sigh of relief then reaches out for Din’s hand and holds it.
He holds it as well and runs his thumb over the back of her hand until the pilot speaks again. “Just one more thing.” Teva said and the grip on her hand was tightened. “Yes?” Din asked. “I’m gonna need you to send us a ping. We’re out here sweeping for Imperial holdouts.” Teva said.
“I’ll let you know if I see any.” Din tells the pilot. “I’m still gonna need you to send us that ping.” Teva said. “Well, I’m not sure I have that hardware online.” Din said. “We can wait.” Teva said and (y/n) could tell that Din was ccontemplating on what to do.
“Yeah…I…I…doesn’t seem to be, uh, working.” Din tells him. “That’s too bad. If we can’t confirm you’re not Imperial, you’re gonna have to follow us to the outpost at Adelphi. They’ll run your tabs.” Teva said and (y/n) gives Din a worried look.
“Oh, wait. There it is. Transmitting now.” Din said and he flips the auto-pilot switch off, and the Frog Lady wakes up with a start, croaking loudly. “Be quiet!” (y/n) whispers to her as she turns to her.
“What’s that?” Teva asked. “Uh, nothing. The hypervac is drawing off the exhaust manifold.” Din replied and the Frog Lady continues making some noise, prompting Din and (y/n) to turn their heads to her in annoyance.
The other X-Wing pilot’s voice soon comes through the comm as the Frog Lady ceases her noise-making. “Carson, can you switch over to channel two?” Trapper Wolf said. “Copy.” Teva said and the two hunters look on as the two X-Wings set and lock their S-foils in attack position.
“Was your craft in the proximity of New Republic Correctional Transport, Bothan-Five?” Teva asked and Din pauses for a moment, before he pulls his hand out of (y/n)’s hand and then hits the accelerator, zooming off away from the X-Wings.
The Frog Lady is abruptly startled, and begins screaming in fear. The two X-Wings quickly zoom after the Razor Crest, which flies swiftly down to the nearby ice and glacier planet of Maldo Kreis. The ship’s just above the billowing clouds of the planet, pursued very quickly by the New Republic ships.
The Razor Crest’s cockpit is shaking about, and the Frog Lady croaks a bit with anxiety. “Razor Crest, stand down. We will fire. I repeat, we will fire.” Teva warns as the Razor Crest continues to zoom around the clouds, evading them.
Suddenly, Din pulls sharply around another corner of clouds then flips the ship around, and turns the power off of the engines, so the ship begins falling. The Frog Lady begins to scream loudly, very frightened at what’s going on, as the ship falls straight down.
As the glacier-like surface of Maldo Kreis reveals itself, Din puts his ship back into gear and begins flying down into an ice canyon. The X-Wings still trail after them as they continue to fly throughout the perilous ice canyon, where jagged spikes of ice stick up everywhere. “Come on, Razor Crest, don’t make us do it.” Teva said but Din doesn’t listen.
He stays relentless, flying the Razor Crest around a bend and straight towards a narrow ice cavern on the side of a glacier. He grunts as he smashes the back end of his ship against the side of the glacier, zipping into the ice cavern. The two X-Wings pass him by, seemingly not noticing. Breathing heavily, Din attempts to navigate through the icy caves while (y/n) turns to the Frog Lady. “Hold on.” She tells her.
The Frog Lady grunts and croaks loudly in response. Then Din smashes the sides of his ship up against some more glaciers, and the Razor Crest begins sliding uncontrollably along a large sheet of ice. It shoots up, and he activates its engines, however it hits the ice again, flying back under a small glacial overhang.
Din and (y/n) pant in relief as the ship stops, and settles down to a halt at last. The X-Wings pass by in the distance, not noticing them. The comm turned on, and Captain Carson Teva is speaking, however he is cutting out greatly. “I’ve lost visual. He’s got to be around here somewhere. You head north. We’ll cover more ground.” Teva said while the Frog Lady begins gasping and groaning, as Din flicks a few switches off and on.
The Frog Lady gets out of her seat straps, but only just before the ice underneath the Razor Crest begins to crack and break. Before the hunters can do anything, the Razor Crest falls through the ice, the boxes and crates inside, including the canister of orange eggs, slide around and fall throughout the bulk of the ship.
The Frog Lady screams as they fall, and the Razor Crest quickly lands in a small ice cavern, on a patch of snow, with a large thud. Din and (y/n) are thrown forwards, up against the control consoles. The ship is clearly damaged - mostly covered in ice and snow, with electrical sparks going off on it. Shrouds of snow continue to fall from the recently-made hole, covering the ship.
Some time later, the two hunters are still knocked out at the control console, and flecks of ice and snow cover his beskar armor and her bruised and bloody head. Din wakes up and slowly sits up, grunting and groaning, then he looks over at (y/n) and panicked a bit when he sees a gash above her eyebrow. He places a hand on her shoulder and begins to shake her, lightly, until she starts to wake up.
“You okay?” He asked, concerned. She sits up then grunts in pain and places a hand on her head. “Never better.” She groans and she pulls back a hand to see it was covered in blood. “Dank farrik.” She growls as Din flicks a few switches in the cockpit, but to no avail.
The Frog Lady is groaning on the floor, shivering from the cold. (Y/n) quickly gets out of her seat and helps her up, as she is croaking at her in distress. “We’ll find your eggs, don’t worry.” (y/n) assures her but the Frog Lady continues to whimper, nervously. “Gotta get you some blankets, keep you warm.” Din said as he gets up too.
They walk through the sliding doors of the cockpit, and jump down the ladder. “You still good?” Din asked her. “Yeah, fine.” (Y/n) said then they look over and see that a large hole has been broken through on the side of the ship, through which a draft of cold, icy air is blowing snow flecks into the main cargo area.
Electrical sparks emit around the bulk of the ship, and all of the crates of the hunter’s cargo have coats of ice and snow on them. The duo look at this in disbelief. “Damn it.” Din grumbles and he turns around and opens the sleeping rack, to find the Child not there.
“Where are you?” He mutters when they hear the Frog Lady croaking in distress from up in the cockpit. Din turns up to her and yells in response. “Hang on, we’re looking for your eggs!
The hunters walk throughout the ship, carefully stepping over the crates and cargo. They push a few ropes aside when they hear an odd noise coming from beneath a thick piece of cloth. (Y/n) swiftly pulls it back, to reveal the Child, who has opened the egg canister again, and has one in his hand. The Child looks up to the hunters. "No! No…I told you not to do that.” Din said as he swiftly picks up the canister, closing it, as he’s speaking.
He looks at the canister, as the Frog Lady is yelling down from the cockpit. (Y/n) turns her head to her general direction. “Found them!” she calls out then her and Din look back down to the Child again, who slurps up one of the eggs, and then stares back at his guardians.
“How many did you eat?” (Y/n) asked. The Child gulps, swallowing the rest of the recently-eaten egg, and then burps. (Y/n) sighs and runs her hands over her eyes at this.
Later, Din and (y/n) worked on a few things in the hull of the ship while The Frog Lady is huddled under some blankets with her egg canister. “If you hadn’t guessed, we’re in a tight spot.” Din tells her as she uses her tongue to eat something out of a metal canister.
“The main power drive is not responding, and the hull has lost its integrity. I suspect the temperature will drop significantly when night falls.” Din said while the Child, a small box of food in his hands, looks back up to the egg canister with longing. “I’ll have a better idea of our prospects at that time.” Din said then he sits down and rests himself up against the wall of the ship, (y/n) sits next to him.
The Frog Lady turns to him, speaking in her own difficult to understand, language. She gestures to her eggs, trying to tell the hunters something, however they clearly cannot understand her. The two shake their heads lightly at her speaking. “We’re sorry, lady. We don’t understand Frog. Whatever it is, it can wait until morning. I recommend you get some sleep.” (y/n) said.
Din crosses his arms and leans down, slumping up against the wall, as the Frog Lady whimpers and pulls her blanket off, looking at her eggs in worry. The Child crawls up to the hunters and climbs up in the spot between them to sleep as well. (Y/n) picks up a blanket next to her and put it over her, Din and the Child then leans her head against Din’s shoulder.
The Frog Lady covers her egg canister with the blanket, patting it protectively. She looks up to the disassembled droid, Q9-0, who is mounted on Din’s wall. The Frog Lady grunts and croaks a bit at it.
Sometime later, the two hunters were sound asleep when a robotic voice speaks up. “Wake up, Mandalorian." Din and (y/n) swiftly draw their guns towards the droid. "This cannot wait until morning. Do not be alarmed. I bypassed the droid’s security protocols and accessed its vocabulator.” the droid said and they noticed that the Frog Lady is speaking through a small vocabulator device, which translates her language through Q9-0.
“What the hell are you doing?” Din asked her as they slip their blaster back away in their holsters, pointing up to the Frog Lady. “That droid is a killer.” Din tells her. “These eggs are the last brood of my life cycle. My husband has risked his life to carve out an existence for us on the only planet that is hospitable to our species. We fought too hard and suffered too much to resign ourselves to the extinction of our family line. I must demand that you and your friend hold true to the deal that you agreed to.” she tells them as the Child looks on curiously.
“Look, lady, the deal is off. We’re lucky if we get off this frozen tomb with our lives.” Din tells her. “I thought honoring one’s word was a part of the Mandalorian code. I guess those are just stories for children.” said the Frog Lady.
The Child looks up to the hunters, cooing. Din and (y/n) slowly glance down at him and then sigh. They look back over to the Frog Lady and get up, (y/n) lifting the Child off of her before she stands. Din swiftly grabs a toolbox, and leaves the ship to begin repairs. “This was not a part of the deal.” he growls and he walks outside into the snowy atmosphere, the wind whistling and howling around him, as snow blows. Sparks emit from loose wires hanging down from his wrecked ship.
Din slowly walks around the damaged Razor Crest, examining the wreckage, (y/n) comes up behind him and looks over the wreckage with him. They slowly walk up to the fuel tank, noticing that it is leaking badly. The two look up and examine the rest of the ice cavern, continuing to walk around the ship.
Din begins welding something on the ship as (y/n) helps hold the part up. They look over to see the Child, standing on the icy, cold ground, speaking in his gibberish language. He is pointing to something. “How ‘bout you come over here, give us a hand? Make yourself useful.” Din snaps and turns back to his broken ship, and continues to the weld on it.
The Child slowly lowers his hand, and sighs with a coo while (y/n) gives him a sympathetic look. He begins walking away to get their attention, and (y/n) gets up and follows the Child while Din ceases his welding and looks over as the Child and (y/n) leaves. “Hey, kid.” (y/n) calls out to him as the Child continues to walk away, ignoring her, prompting Din to set his welding gun down, and quickly follow them around the ship.
“Where are you going? Come back here!” (Y/n) calls out then the Child stopped at a small mound of snow, and the two hunters kneels down beside either side of him, the three looking towards a trail of the Frog Lady’s footprints through the snow, leading away from the ship. “When did she go?” Din asked the Child.
The Child responds in his odd language, and Din scans the footprints through the thermal scanner on his helmet, making it easier for him to see where they lead, which is in a large ice cave. (Y/n) picks the Child up and they begin following the footprints, walking slowly into and through the icy cave, where many sharp icicles hang down from the slick ceiling.
The trio look around nervously as they walk, and follow the footprints around another bend. Din turns the thermal scanner back on on his helmet, seeing them lead to a place where, behind an ice wall, more heat is coming from.
(Y/n) felt a tug on her neck and she looks down to see the Child grabbing onto her crystal necklace, his little claw wrapped around the crystal. (Y/n) smiles at him as they continue on. They quickly follow the footprints around to an ice cave, where the Frog Lady is wading in some hot springs, her eggs floating around her.
“There you are.” Din said as (y/n) sighs with relief. They quickly walk towards the edge of the pools, looking around and examining the rest of the small cave. “You can’t leave the ship. It’s not safe out here.” (y/n) tells the Frog Lady.
The Frog Lady croaks, as (y/n) sets the Child down at the edge of the pool. The two hunters look into the blue water at the floating eggs and they kneel down to the edge of the largest pool as well. “Let’s gather these up.” Din said to (y/n) and she nods. The Frog Lady begins croaking in anxiety as Din and (y/n) grabs her eggs and places them back into the blue canister.
“We know it’s warm. But night’s coming fast, and we can’t protect you out here.” Din tells her as they continues to gather up the eggs, and the Frog Lady speaks in her language yet again, croaking as she pushes an egg forward to help the hunters. They grab them, and the trio continue to work to get all of the eggs back into the canister, as the Child flits his right hand in the water near the eggs.
Din blocks him from grabbing them with his hand, sticking his finger out. “No. No!” Din said and the Child looks at him and whines, as Din resumes gathering the eggs.
The Child turns around and begins sniffing and cooing curiously, looking towards a large amount of blue eggs sticking out of the ground. He slowly walks over to them, as the duo and Frog Lady are still distracted by gathering the eggs.
The Child walks through the snow amongst the field of blue eggs, and approaches one, sniffing it, and soon pulling away at its soft shell. The shell is quickly pulled apart, and the child grabs a bluish-white ice spider out from inside, sticky strands of a yellow-brown substance coating it. He quickly crunches it down.
As the Child finishes off his ice spider, another blue ice spider eggs begins shaking and cracking open, small spiders climbing out of them. The Frog Lady pushes the last of her eggs towards Din and (y/n), which they load into the canister, but they are soon distracted by the cooing of the Child, who is running towards them through the field of hatching eggs.
They stand up to see the eggs hatching, and (y/n) quickly grabs the Child, as the Frog Lady croaks in nervousness. Din closes the egg canister, and hoists it onto his back with the strap attached to it. The Frog Lady continues to swiftly look around, gasping. She grabs her clothes with her tongue, which were sitting folded on the edge of the pool she was swimming in.
The two hunters look around as hundreds of small spiders crawl towards them, and the Frog Lady runs up next to them, now dressed in her clothes. They look up to a large cavern, where larger spiders crawl out from, including ones nearly half the size of Din and (y/n). A growl emits from the cavern, and an absolutely massive ice spider reveals itself.
It growls, and Din frantically gestures to the Frog Lady, who begins running, and quickly gets past them. “Go, go, go! Back to the ship!” Din shouts. He continues to look on, as the giant spider growls even louder, and begins advancing towards them, along with the other, smaller ones.
The spiders seem to crawl out from everywhere, as Din and (y/n) follow quickly behind the running Frog Lady. The giant spider, who is unable to fit through the ice tunnels that they are running through, nearly catches up with them before they reach the tunnels, growling viciously. It snaps at them, missing them, before crawling above the shiny ceilings of the tunnels, directly above them.
Its legs smash through the ceiling, as the smaller spiders follow closely behind the companions throughout the tunnels. Din and (y/n) begin blasting the ice spiders with their pistols, killing several of them, but still very few of the total number. The giant ice spider sticks its head through a hole in the ice caverns, and spids a web from its mouth, blocking off a possible exit for the hunters and Frog Lady.
They quickly run the other away, as Din and (y/n) continue to shoot the spiders. The Frog Lady, who is falling behind, looks back and croaks in fear. She begins leaping clumsily, like her species does in their natural environment, throughout the tunnels, slipping and sliding around, and quickly passing in front of the hunters.
One of the giant ice spider’s legs spears down from the ceiling, and the Frog Lady dodges it, and begins running on her feet again. Din prepares three detonators, and throws the charges on both sides of the icy walls and onto the ceiling. They blow up, causing the ceiling to shatter. The massive ice spider falls through with a large thud onto the ground, and Din looks to see that it is seemingly defeated.
Continuing to shoot spiders throughout the cavern, Din, (y/n) and the Frog Lady, who is still croaking greatly in nervousness, stop and Din ignites his flamethrower on his wrist. The icy walls lite up with orange, shimmering, flickering reflections.
The Frog Lady hops around a bend, followed closely by the two hunters. Although they were able to subdue the spiders, many still follow not too far behind them.
As they exit the cave, Din and (y/n) continues to shoot the spiders, and swiftly retreats to the ship. The Frog Lady hops into the entrance of the ship, and (y/n) hands the Child to her, whom she sets down. The Child runs off into the ship in fright. Din then hands the Frog Lady her canister of eggs, which she swiftly takes as well.
One medium-sized spider swiftly shoots a web at the hunters, sticking their blaster-holding arm to the side of the ship. A small spider jumps at them as Din and (y/n) struggles, and Din squishes it in his hand, green juices squeezing out of it, as he throws it on the ground to his side, hard.
The two hunters quickly untraps their hand, pulling it away from the side of the ship, and continue shooting the vicious ice spiders. The spiders pursue them into the ship, as they continue shooting them. They hurriedly climb up the ladder to the cockpit, shooting as many spiders who try to climb up after them as they can.
Unable to handle them, they back up into the cockpit, the doors sliding partially shut, however being held open by the ice spiders. Din and (y/n) continue shooting them as they pile up to get through.
The Child peeks around Din's leg, as several smaller spiders are able to get inside of the cockpit. One of the small spiders crawls onto the Child’s head, and he whimpers and screams, raising his arms up to get it off.
A blaster bolt quickly shoots it, destroying it, and then shoots another two ice spiders approaching the Child. The very small blaster was used by the Frog Lady, who is sitting with her eggs up against the main control console in the cockpit.
Din finally activates his flamethrower, and is able to burn enough ice spiders and hold the others off to get the doors of the cockpit closed. The Child looks up anxiously as he does this. Din begins panting, and he, (y/n) and the Frog Lady look at each other.
The ice spiders continue to crawl over the glass of the cockpit from the outside. Din sits in his pilot’s chair and begins flipping and pressing several different things and (y/n) gets into the passenger seat. “Strap yourselves in. This better work.” Din tells them.
The Frog Lady croaks and holds her egg canister to her body tightly, as Din continues flipping things and pressing other things. The Child climbs to (y/n)‘s lap. “I’ve got limited visibility. It’s gonna be a bumpy ride.” Din said and the engines roar to life with his pull of a lever, and the Razor Crest slowly begins rising out of the ice and snow.
However, before it can take off adequately, the giant ice spider falls on top of it, revealing itself to still be alive. The ship crashes back down to the cold, slick surface of the cavern. The giant ice spider smashes its leg through the glass and into the cockpit twice. It peers through the glass, and pushes its mouth up against it, sticking it to the window and rubbing along it in an attempt to eat it, seemingly.
The Child looks up in fright.
As the giant ice spider is suddenly about to strike down again, a few red blaster bolts from outside shoot it in the head, and it falls off of the ship. Din, (y/n) and the Child look around in surprise, as more blaster fire emits outside, and Din and (y/n) wheel their chair around, standing up and walking out of the cockpit. (Y/n) sets the Child down, and they arm themselves with their blaster as the doors slide open.
Closing the cockpit doors so the other will be safe, they advance on, as the Frog Lady nervously looks up through the window.
Din pushes and pulls a lot of webbing away as he and (y/n) walk slowly through the hull of the ship. A small ice spider is crawling off to the side, which (y/n) quickly shoots. They slowly approach the side exit to the ship and walks outside.
Many ice spiders are being shot off the side of the ship by the two X-Wing pilots, who have landed and are using their rifles, their cockpits open, and their headlights glaring brightly. They’re able to kill the rest of the spiders, and they quickly cease their shooting, lowering their guns, as Din and (y/n) walk towards them reluctantly.
“We ran the tabs on the Razor Crest.” Teva said and the two hunters slowly lower their pistols as well. “You two have an arrest warrant, for the abduction of prisoner X-Six-Nine-Eleven. However, onboard security records show that you two apprehended three priority culprits from the Wanted Register. Security records also show that you put your own life in harm’s way to try to protect that of Lieutenant Davan from the New Republic Correctional Corps. Is this true?” Teva asked.
“Are we under arrest?” (Y/n) asked them. “Technically, you should be. But these are trying times.” Teva said. “What say we forego the bounties on these three criminals, and you two help us fuse my hull so we can get off this frozen rock?” Din asked. Trapper Wolf smirks at this, and Captain Teva looks a bit annoyed.
“What say you fix that transponder, and we don’t vaporize that antique the next time we patrol the Rim?” Teva said and the two pilots look at each other, and begin climbing back into their cockpits, which close.
As Din and (y/n) look on, the two X-Wings slowly lift up and take off, out of the ice caverns, through a hole at the top. The two hunters turn back around to the ship, as the red light from their tail lights fades from reflecting on Din's helmet and other beskar armor. They walk back into his ship and addresses the Frog Lady and the Child, who are now down in the hull themselves.
“All right. (Y/n) and I are gonna repair the cockpit enough for us to limp to Trask. There’s nothing we can do about the main hull’s integrity, so we’re gonna have to get cozy in the cockpit. It’s the only thing I can pressurize. If you need to use the privy, do it now. It’s gonna be a long ride.” Din said.
After fixing up the ship, Din and (y/n) walk into the cockpit, (y/n) holds the Child in her arms. The two hunters sit down in their chair. “Okay, repair’s all done. Let’s see if we can get this thing going once and for all.” Din said and he begins flipping, pressing, and pushing various things in the cockpit. He pulls a lever to start up the engine, which works perfectly.
The Razor Crest slowly rises out of the ice canyon, the large legs of the giant ice spiders sliding off of the cockpit. The Frog Lady squeals.
Hitting a few ice walls along the way, the Razor Crest successfully rises fully out of the cavernous ice caves, and flies away from Maldo Kreis, out of the atmosphere, limping along throughout space. Din flicks a few more things before he turns to the Frog Lady. “Wake me up if someone shoots at us. Or that door gets sucked off its rails.” he said and the Frog Lady says something in her own language.
“He's kidding. If that happened, we’d all be dead.” (Y/n) assures her then they turn forward. “Sweet dreams.” Din said and crosses his arms and lays his head back against the seat, as the Frog Lady croaks a little bit more. (y/n) leans back in her seat and closes her eyes, the Child sitting on her lap.
The Child turns to look at the Frog Lady and the canister of her eggs, grunting. The Frog Lady says something else in Frog, and holds the canister closer to her, protectively. The Child turns back towards the window out of the damaged cockpit, and coos, lifting an egg up and slurping it down, revealing that he somehow had already somehow gotten one.
The quite damaged Razor Crest continues to float through space, slowly limping its way along, as the engines sputter indefinitely.
Din and (y/n) slowly walk down the dirt street of the dark, urban landscape, the Child floating in his pod beside them. The building walls were coated in graffiti and the entire place looks quite run-down.
As they walk throughout the seedy town, the Child takes notice of numerous lairs of red eyes staring at them from the sides of the street. He lightly whimpers in fright, which (y/n) sensed this and she looks over at him. “It’s alright.” She assured him as he looks up at him with his big brown eyes.
She gives him a reassured smile just as they approach a door, which a sinister looking Twi'lek doorman is guarding. “We're here to see Gor Koresh.” Din tells him and the doorman glances at the Child, who coos, before moving aside and allowing the door to open. “Enjoy the fights.” he tells them and the trio descends down some stairs into a fighting area.
Spectators surround an elevated platform, where two Gamorrean warriors are clashing with axes. Various flags with vibrant designs hang above the platform as well. The spectators cheer and shout in alien languages as the Child looks around curiously.
Din settles into a seat next to Gor Koresh, a chubby Abyssin dressed in very fancy attire, while (y/n) takes the seat next to Din. “You know this is no place for a child.” Gor tells the hunters. “Wherever we go, he goes.” Din tells him, which makes Gor chuckle. “So I’ve heard.” he said.
“We’ve been quested to bring him to his kind. If we can locate other Mandalorians, they can help guide us. We were told you know where to find them.” Din said to him. “It’s uncouth to talk business immediately. Just enjoy the entertainment.” Gor said and they turn their attention to the ring.
The Child coos in slight distress and surprise at the Gamorrean’s axes fiercely clanging together, as he observes the intense brawl. The opposing Gamorrean knocks Gor’s Gamorrean to the ground. “Bah! My Gamorrean’s not doing well. Kill him! Finish him!” Gor shouts and the opposing Gamorrean slashes down with his axe, but Koresh’s warrior rolls out of the way just in time to dodge.
“Do you and your friend gamble, Mando?” Gor asked. “Not when it can be avoided.” Din replied as (y/n) shakes her head. “Well, I’ll bet you the information you seek that this Gamorrean’s going to die within the next minute and a half…and all you have to put up in exchange is your shiny beskar armor.” Gor said after he chuckles and gestures at Din’s armor. “I’m prepared to pay you for the information. I’m not leaving my fate up to chance.” Din warns.
“Nor am I.” Gor said and he pulls out his blaster out of his coat and shoots the opposing Gamorrean, which falls over dead on the floor. His axe clangs down next to his head.
The spectators gasp in surprise as Gor’s henchmen rise from behind and beside him, drawing their guns to Din’s and (y/n)’s head, along with Gor himself. The spectators flood out of the arena.
“Thank you for coming to me. Normally, I have to seek out remnants of you Mandalorians in your hidden hives to harvest your precious shiny shells.” Gor chuckles. “Beskar’s value continues to rise. I’ve grown quite fond of it. Give it to me now or I will peel it off your corpse.” He threatens.
“Tell us where the Mandalorians are and we’ll walk outta here without killing you.” (Y/n) growls at him and Gor chuckles. “I thought you said you weren’t a gambler…” Gor said.
The Child looks on as Din readies his whistling birds for attack and he quickly closes himself within his crib. “We’re not.” Din said and he releases the whistling birds. They shoot out and kill four of the henchmen. (Y/n) kicks the Child’s crib out of the way and the Gamorrean jumps down from the platform to tackle her.
As she shifts to the side, the Gamorrean smashes into the wooden bench and is knocked out. The Twi'lek doorman grabs Din from behind but is quickly dispatched by him. Gor runs out of the arena, frightened, as Din and (y/n) fight with two Zabraks and a human warrior.
The human is knocked out as one Zabrak is stabbed by (y/n). The second Zabrak charges towards her but Din throws a blade into his chest, making him fall. The two hunters see Gor escaping out of the exit and they snatch up their pistols, which were dropped during the fight, and they began to follow him.
Gor flees outside but the hunters were quick to pursue and Din shoots out a grappling hook and catches Gor by the legs. Gor falls into the dirt and Din pulls him in and slings the rope around one of the street lamps lining the dirt path, tying it to the bottom and pulling Gor upwards, making him hang upside down.
“All right, stop, stop! I’ll tell you where he is. But you must give me your word that you won’t kill me.” Gor pleads as he faces them. “We promise you will not die by our hands. Now, where is the Mandalorian you know of?” Din asked him. “Tatooine.” Gor groans and this shocks the hunters.
“What?” They asked, confused. “The Mando I know of is on Tatooine.” Gor replied with a groan again. “We’ve spent much time on Tatooine. We’ve never seen a Mandalorian there.” (Y/n) tells him. “My information is good, I tell you. The city of Mos Pelgo. I swear it by the Gotra!” Gor groans again, more prominently this time.
The two hunters look at each other before (y/n) nods. “Tatooine it is, then.” she said and they began to slowly walk away with the Child’s carrier in tow. “Wait, Mando! You can’t leave me like this! Cut me down!” Gor shouts as he was still hanging upside-down. “That wasn’t part of the deal.” Din said and he turns around and shoots the street lamp, causing it to go out. A shroud of darkness falls upon the hanging, squirming, struggling body of Gor.
“Wait, what? Wait, what are you doing? Mando! I can pay! Mando! Mando!” Gor screams, loudly, but as they walk away, many ominous pairs of red eyes appear surrounding Gor. He struggles more and begins screaming as Din and (y/n) continue to wake away.
The Razor Crest flies into the planet of Tatooine and through some canyons, which attracts the attention of a Tusken Raider, who is mounted upon a Bantha. The Tusken Raider looks upwards at the ship as it passes while the Bantha groans. The ship flies towards Mos Eisley Spaceport and Peli Motto, who is working on a podracer engine, glances up to the skies with an open mouth, as the Razor Crest lands in her hangar.
She blows on a metal instrument and looks smugly upon it landing. Her pit droid crew pick up their tools, ready to work on the ship just as Din and (y/n) descend down from the ramp. "Alright.“ Peli mutters then she turns to the pit droids. "Hey, hey, hey! Sorry, gang. Come on! You know he doesn’t like droids!” she shouts.
“May as well let them have at it. The Crest needs a good once-over.” Din said. “Oh! So he likes droids now.” Peli said then she turns to the droids again. “Well, you heard him. Give it a once-over!” She shouts and the pit droids walk up to the ship as Din and (y/n) approaches Peli Motto, who chuckles.
“I guess a lot has changed since you were last in Mos…” she said but she abruptly stops speaking as (y/n) reveals the Child, hanging in a pouch over her shoulder. Peli takes him out of the pouch, grinning. “Oh! Thank the Force! This little thing has had me worried sick. Come here, you little womp rat.” She chuckles as she takes the Child out of the pouch. “Looks like it remembers me. How much do you want for it? Just kidding. But not really. You know, if this thing ever divides or buds, I will gladly pay for the offspring.” Peli said before she looks over and shouts. “Hey!”
She is distracted by the pit droids working on the ship, as one of them has let an air tube loose, causing a loud, unpleasant noise to emit from it. "Oh, geez. Watch what you’re doing up there! He barely trusts your kind! What, you want to give all droids a bad name? Thank you!“ she shouts as one of the pit droids - the one who had messed up with the air tube - gets the tube sucked into its face. The second one balances on top of the third one, examining the ship’s mechanics.
"We’re here on business. We need your help.” Din tells her. “Oh, then business you shall have. Care for me to watch this wrinkled critter while you seek out adventure?” she asked them. “We’ve been quested to bring this one back to its kind.” (y/n) said. “Oh, wow.” Peli chuckles. “I can’t help you there. I’ve never seen any like it. And trust me, I’ve seen all shapes and sizes in this town.” Peli said as a Gonk droid waddles around behind the trio as they speak.
“A Mandalorian Armorer has set us on our path. If we can locate another of my kind, I can chart a path through the network of coverts.” Din explains. “You’ve been the only Mando here for years from what I can tell.” Peli said. “Where is Mos Pelgo? We were told there’s one there.” (y/n) said.
“Oh. Boy, I haven’t heard that name in a while.” Peli said. “It’s not on any of the maps.” Din said to her. “That’s ‘cause it was wiped out by bandits. Once the Empire fell, it was a free-for-all. I didn’t dare leave the city walls. Still don’t.” she explains.
“Can you tell us where it used to be?” (Y/n) asked. “Depends who’s asking. You want to see it?” she asked then she shouts, loudly. “R-5! Bring the map of Tatooine!”
TheR5-D4 slowly scoots over towards the trio, beeping incessantly. One of his back head panels indicates that he once had a bad motivator that needed replaced. "No, take your time. Seriously. You just can’t get good help anymore. I don’t even know who to complain to! Let’s go, let’s go.“ Peli scoffs. "Waiting! Ok.”
R5-D4 slowly, but surely, stops in front of them, projecting a yellow hologram map of Tatooine. Peli Motto walks over to it, and moves it around with her fingers, indicating certain locations as she speaks to Din and (y/n). “This is a map of Tatooine before the war. You got Mos Eisley, Mos Espa, and up around this region, Mos Pelgo.” Peli explains as she points at different regions on the map.
“I don’t see anything.” Din said. “Me either.” (Y/n) said. “Well, it’s there. Or at least it used to be. Not much to speak of. It’s an old mining settlement. They’re gonna see that big hunk o’ metal long before you land.” she said. “You still have that speeder bike?” Din asked her. “Sure do. It’s a little rusty, but I got it.” Peli said.
Later, Din and (y/n) ride throughout the sand dunes of Tatooine on the bike. The Child is on the side, sticking his head out in enjoyment of the rush of air, his ear flapping back like a dog’s would. They ride around a cliff then set up a campfire for the night with a small group of Tusken Raiders, a bunch of Banthas standing around in the background of the shot. The group gesture with their hands to communicate, presumably telling stories to each other.
The next day, Din and (y/n) ride throughout some more ridges, past a Bantha skeleton. The vastness of the Tatooine desert, as their speeder approaches a very small settlement nestled in the middle of the vast, sandy landscape. As they slowly ride into town, they scare off a couple scurriers, who flee from the area, while many villagers stare at them.
Some are looking out of their doors, or out from their decks, and some are standing around doing various chores at the moisture-farming stations. Din and (y/n) finally come to a stop in front of a saloon, slowly getting up and walking inside. The Child looks up from his pouch as they leave him and enter the small building.
A Weequay bartender looks up to them from working on a drink mixture of some type. The Child slowly peeks around the corner of the door, watching as Din and (y/n) approaches the proprietor. "Can I help you?“ the bartender asked. "We're looking for a Mandalorian.” (y/n) said. “Well, we don’t get many visitors in these parts. Can you describe him?” the bartender asked. “Someone who looks like me.” Din said.
“Mmm…You mean the Marshal?” The bartender asked. “Your Marshal wears Mandalorian armor?” Din said. "See for yourself.“ The bartender grunts as he gestures with his head over to the door of the saloon, where a figure is standing. The man is wearing the old, beaten-up helmet, torso-piece, wrist-cuffs, ankle-cuffs, kneepieces, jetpack, and other armor of a famed Tatooine-based bounty hunter - in other words, part of a set of Mandalorian armor.
He slowly approaches Din and (y/n), his ankle-cuffs clicking. "What brings you two here, strangers?” The Marshal asked. “We’ve been searching for you for many parsecs.” (y/n) said. “Well, now you found me. Weequay, three snorts of spotchka.” Marshal said. The Weequay bartender pulls out a flagon of blue liquid; a bottle adorned with a net-like rope, as well as three small cups.
The Marshal grabs them and slowly walks over to a table in the seating area. “Why don’t you join me for a drink?” he asked then he slowly sits down and removes his helmet, setting it upon the table, revealing a smirking, middle-aged, grey-haired man.
“I’ve never met a real Mandalorian.” He chuckles. “Heard stories. I know you’re good at killing. And probably none too happy to see me wearing this hardware.” He said as he pours the spotchka into the small cups, before eventually setting the flagon back on the table. The Child is cooing as it is examining and touching a spitoon.
“So…I figure only one of us is walking out of here. But then I see the little guy…and I think, maybe I pegged you wrong.” the Marshal said. “Who are you?” Din asked as he steps toward him. “I’m Cobb Vanth, Marshal of Mos Pelgo.” Cobb introduced
“Where did you get the armor?” (Y/n) asked him. “Bought it off some Jawas.” Cobb replied. “Hand it over.” Din demanded. “Look, pal, I’m sure you call the shots where you come from, but ‘round here, I’m the one tells folks what to do.” Cobb said. “Take it off. Or I will.” Din demands again. “We gonna do this in front o’ the kid?” Cobb asked as the Child glances up from beside the spitoon, somewhat worriedly.
“He’s seen worse.” (Y/n) tells him. “Right here, then?” Cobb asked. “Right here.” Din said and Cobb sighs then gets up, pushing his chair back. The two men wearing Mandalorian armor and the former Mandalorian stare each other down for a while, in a tense moment. Their hands flit around their blaster holsters and the bartender watches with suspense.
Suddenly, there is a loud rumbling sound and Cobb Vanth raises his finger to signal that he needs to check on it. The trio exit the building and look out onto the town, as the Child whimpers and the Weequay bartender leaves from another exit. An alarm blares as the windmill gradually begins spinning faster, scurriers look up in alarm, a bantha groans, and citizens flee to the buildings.
A large creature seems to be slithering through the sand towards the town center, making whooping noises. It reaches the town and passes through it then down the center road, its back scales sticking up through the sand, as all the citizens look on. The creature approaches a tied-up Bantha, jumping out of the sand and consuming it, revealing the massive head of a Greater Krayt Dragon. It quickly flees.
“Maybe we can work something out.” Cobb said as the Child fearfully peeks out from inside the spitoon.
As Din, (y/n) and Cobb walk through the town in the wake of the Krayt Dragon, many villagers were repairing the buildings from the destruction of the beast - settling wooden planks down on the decks, hoisting up large tankards, and welding pieces of speeder bikes back together.
“That creature’s been terrorizing these parts since long before Mos Pelgo was established. Thanks to this armor, I’ve been able to protect this town from bandits and Sand People. They look to me to protect ‘em. But a Krayt Dragon is too much for me to take on alone. Help me kill it, I’ll give you the armor.” Cobb explained. “Deal. We’ll ride back to the ship, blow it out of the sand from the sky, use the Bantha as bait.” Din said.
“Not so simple. The ship passes above, it senses the vibrations, stays underground. But I know where it lives.” Cobb explained. “How far?” (y/n) asked him. “Not far.” he replied.
Din and (y/n) ride on their speeder bike through the Tatooine desert. Cobb Vanth comes up beside them on his speeder, which is the repurposed engine of a podracer. As they ride, Cobb begins a conversation. "You don’t understand what it was like. The town was on its last legs. It started after we got news of the Death Star blowing up. The second one, that is. The Empire was pullin’ outta Tatooine. There was blaster fire over Mos Eisley. The occupation was over. We didn’t even have time to celebrate. That very night, the Mining Collective moved in.“ He explains as (y/n) looks over at him.
"Power hates a vacuum, and Mos Pelgo became a slave camp overnight. I lit out. Took what I could from the invaders. Grabbed a camtono. I had no idea it was full of silicax crystals. I guess every once in a while, both suns shine on a womp rat’s tail. I wandered for days. No food, no water. And then…I was saved. The Jawas wanted the crystals. They offered their finest in exchange. And my treasure bought me more than a full waterskin. It bought my freedom.” he said as they continue to zoom through the desert on their speeders.
They travel through a rocky quarry, alongside some cliffs, quite slowly and cautiously, where they hear a close-by growl/screech of something. Cobb raises up his arm, motioning for Din to stop and they halt their speeders and jump off, whipping out their guns and taking defensive positions.
The growls echo around the rocky, brown cliffs as Cobb nervously glances around the area. The growls and cries grow closer, and finally a Massif, a reptilian-doglike creature, walks out from behind a large rock. These dogs are often known to accompany Tusken Raiders. It opens its mouth wide and snarls, and Din and (y/n) lower their weapons, while Cobb keys up to shoot the animal as more approach from the boulders.
Soon a whole pack is approaching them, snarling loudly. Cobb stands his ground, keeping his gun steady. Suddenly, Din calls out a Tusken cry, causing the creatures to immediately cease their hostile behavior. They look up to him as he walks forward towards them.
“What the hell you doin’?” Cobb asked as (y/n) gestures for him to stay back and stay peaceful as Din walks forward towards the vicious creatures, grunting in the Tusken language.
Cobb slowly lowers his weapon, as Din kneels down to pet an approaching Massif, who shakes in joy as Din rubs them on the side. Cobb fully lowers his blaster pistol, as Din continues petting the Massif under the chin then (y/n) kneels down and starts to pet the Massif as well.
The three compatriots look up as a few Tusken Raiders come out from behind a rock. Cobb looks around nervously, as the Child peeks out from the sack he is in on the side of Din’s speeder. Din and the Tusken Raiders speak Tusken back and forth for a bit, using hand gestures as well.
“Hey, partner, you want to tell me what’s going on?” Cobb asked. “They want to kill the Krayt Dragon, too.” Din replied after he talked to the Raiders.
That night in a Tusken Raider camp, where a Tusken is cleaning the teeth of a Bantha with a gaffi stick. A Massif is following a Tusken Raider through the camp, as Din, (y/n) and Cobb sit around a flickering campfire with several Tuskens, who are speaking to them in their Tusken language.
As a Tusken stands up a higher rock and looks out, surveying the desert, Din speaks to the crowd around the fire in Tusken. The Child looks around, unsure about the conversation between Din and the Tusken Raiders. (Y/n) looks down at the Child and holds him closer to him, comforting him as she sensed that he was a bit uncomfortable. A Massif looks at him and licks his lips, and the Child coos quite nervously.
One of the Tuskens cracks open a black gourd, a type of fruit that plays an important role in Tusken society, with his thumbs and hands it to Cobb. Black powder steams out of the top of it, as Cobb very reluctantly takes it then smells it.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” He asked Din and (y/n). “You drink it.” Din replies. “It stinks.” Cobb said, disgusted. “Do you want their help?” (y/n) asked him. “Not if I have to drink this.” Cobb said then one of the Tuskens begins angrily shouting at him.
As Din speaks, the Tusken continues angrily talking. "He says your people steal their water and now you insult them by not drinking it. They know about Mos Pelgo. They know how many Sand People you killed.“ Din tells Cobb. "They raided our village. I defended the town.” Cobb said, his voice getting louder. “Lower your voice.” (y/n) said to him, calmly. “I knew this was a bad idea.” Cobb growls, angrily.
The Tusken angrily stands up in a confrontational stance, screeching out even louder. “You’re agitating them.” Din tells him. “These monsters can’t be reasoned with!” Cobb yells as he stands up himself to confront the Tusken. The Tusken continues arguing viciously in its native language, and Cobb quickly addresses it. "Sit back down before I put a hole through you! I’m not going to say it-“ Cobb said but then, very suddenly, Din activates his flamethrower, causing a spiral of flame to erupt next to the two arguing people.
They both immediately cease their arguing, and Din stands up. The Child looks at the fire from his seat on (y/n)’s lap, squinting his eyes. Din turns off the flamethrower and both Cobb and the Tusken look at him in surprise. Din quickly tells the Tusken Raider something in the Tusken language.
”What are you telling them?“ Cobb asked Din. "The same thing I’m telling you. If we fight amongst ourselves, the monster will kill us all.” Din tells him. The Tusken and Cobb slowly sit back down around the campfire. Din addresses them both again, speaking in English, and gesturing in Tusken. “Now, how do we kill it?” he asked.
The next morning, there was a single file line of Tusken Raiders riding atop Banthas in the Tatooine desert. Don, (y/n) and Vanth are accompanying them, riding on Banthas as well. The Child, hitched to the side of Din’s Bantha in a tan pouch, looks out onto the Tatooine desert in awe. A group of six Banthas and their respective riders slowly walk atop a hill, and a canyon opens up below them.
Later, a Tusken Raider slowly leading a Bantha on a rope towards the large cavern where the Krayt Dragon lives. Cobb, Din, (y/n) and the other three Tuskens watch in suspense from the ridge above. One of the Tusken Raiders begins speaking to Din in Tusken. Then he turns to Cobb Vanth to translate. "They say it lives in there. They say it sleeps.“ Din tells him.
A Tusken Raider hands Din a pair of macrobinoculars, which he looks through. He scans over the large opening on the side of the cliff. "It lives in an abandoned Sarlacc pit.” Din said. “Lived on Tatooine my whole life. There’s no such thing as an abandoned Sarlacc pit.” Cobb said. “There is if you eat the Sarlacc.” (y/n) said.
Cobb looks confusedly towards the large pit, and Din lowers the macrobinoculars, handing them back to one of the Tuskens. He continues to watch his fellow Tusken Raider lead the Bantha up to the large pit. "They’re laying out a Bantha to protect the settlement. They’ve studied its digestive cycle for generations. They feed the dragon to make it sleep longer. Watch, the dragon will appear.“ Din explains as the Tusken hammers down a pole attached to Bantha’s rope into the ground.
Cobb looks on, fascinated, as the Tusken calls out into the large cavern to get the Krayt Dragon’s attention. The Child looks on from the ridge as well, whimpering.
The growling of the dragon is heard, and a low rumbling begins. Cobb looks up, incredibly alert, as the sand begins to give way as the beast travels out of its home. The Tusken turns around and runs as fast as it can away from the cavernous opening. The Krayt Dragon shoots out of the sand, missing the Bantha entirely, and swallowing up the poor Tusken Raider.
The Child ducks behind the ridge, terrified, as the Tusken with the macrobinoculars quickly lowers them in shock. The Krayt Dragon very quickly retreats back into the cave, leaving the Bantha alone by the entrance. "They might be open to some new ideas.” Din said as the Child slowly raises his head, peeking back out from behind the cliffside. The Bantha at the cavernous opening groans a bit more.
Back at the Tusken Raiders camp, the Raiders speaking to each other in their language and lay out a diorama with rock and bones to represent the Krayt Dragon and its cave, as well as the scale between the creature and the humanoids who intend to fight it. The model of the Krayt Dragon is far larger than the small stones that represent the others.
“What are the bones?” Cobb asked the hunters. “That’s the Krayt Dragon.” (Y/n) replied. “And those little rocks?” Cobb asked. “That’s us.” (y/n) said. “It’s not to scale.” Cobb grumbles. “I think it is.” Din said. “Me too.” (Y/n) said. “Can’t be. That’s too big.” Cobb said and (y/n) rolls her eyes.
The Tuskens begin speaking to Din, who speaks back to them for a moment, before turning back to Vanth. "It’s to scale.“ Din tells Cobb. "I’ve only seen its head and neck. That’s a whole lot bigger than I guessed.” Cobb said as the Tuskens continue speaking amongst each other, clearly planning out a strategy to attack the Krayt Dragon in some way.
“Might be time to rethink our arrangement.” Cobb mutters. The Tuskens and Din converse briefly, and Din seems to suggest something. The Tuskens look at each other, and then one of them grabs another handful of rocks and sprinkles it around amongst the others in the model. "That’s more like it.“ Cobb said then he looks at Din.
"Where are they getting the reinforcements?” He asked. “I volunteered your village.” Din replied. Cobb widens his eyes and looks a bit worried and confused at this.
Later, Cobb, Din and (y/n) ride across the Tatooine desert again on their speeders and pull back into the town center of Mos Pelgo. As they skid to a halt at the side of a building deck and Cobb dismounts his speeder, then he begins another conversation. "They attacked us less than a year ago. Killed half a dozen of us by the mining camp. I’d say I took down about twice as many Tuskens.“ he said.
”The town respects you. My guess is, they’ll listen to reason.“ (Y/n) said. "I wouldn’t be so sure.” Cobb said. Din and (y/n) look a bit contemplative as Cobb walks away, and then proceeds to get off their speeder and follow the Marshal into the saloon.
Inside of the saloon, the townspeople are gathered in the seating area; Cobb, Din and (y/n) face them, standing right in front of the bar. Cobb addresses his citizens as they murmur amongst themselves. "This here is a Mandalorian. You know what that means?“ Cobb said as he gestures to Din.
”Well, we’ve heard the stories.“ The bartender said. "Then you know how good they are at killing. Now, this one’s got a problem. I got a suit o’ salvaged armor and the Mandalorian creed says it’s his to take.” Cobb tells them and the townspeople murmur in discontent. “But I’ve got a problem, too. A Krayt Dragon has been peeling off our pack animals, and sometimes, taking our mining haul with it. It’s just a matter of time before it grows tired of Banthas and goes after a couple of you townsfolk, or even, so help us, the school.” he said.
At this assertion, the townsfolk murmur and chatter a bit more, shaking their heads at the implication that a Krayt Dragon could destroy their way of life even further than at present. "As much as I’ve grown fond of the armor, I’m even more fond of this town. The Mandalorian is willing to help us slay the leviathan in exchange for returning the armor to its ancestral owners.“ Cobb said. "Well, that settles it.” said the Bartender.
“There’s more. We can’t take on the Krayt alone. And the Sand People are willing to help.” Cobb said and immediately, the crowd grows restless in protest of this. Some of them stand up and start shouting incredulously.
“They raid our mines!”
“They’re monsters!”
“I’ve seen the size of that thing, it will swallow your entire town when the fancy hits it. You’re lucky Mos Pelgo isn’t a sand field already. I know these people. They are brutal. But so is the Dune Sea. They’ve survived for thousands of years in these sands and they know the Krayt Dragon better than anyone here. They are raiders, it’s true. But they also keep their word. We have struck a deal. If we are willing to leave them the carcass and its ichor, they will stand by our side in battle and vow never to raise a blaster against this town until one of you breaks the peace.” Din tells the townspeople.
The townspeople contemplate this and slowly nod their heads, tap their fingers, and glance at each other, clearly coming to the realization that this is the best course of action to go with.
Later, the townspeople gather up supplies in a storage shed at the edge of town. Din, (y/n) and Cobb Vanth stand in the entryway as people carry crates, boxes, and various other containers around them. "Think it’ll work?“ Cobb asked. "It better. Joining forces is their only hope.” Din said.
Some townspeople open a container and lift out some white explosive canisters of something, as the trio walk outside to the deck. They look to their left to see a large, single file line of Tusken Raiders approaching on Banthas. The townspeople stand around and look in awe.
One woman taps a younger man on the shoulder to get him to see this odd sight, and they look on, a bit frightened. Multiple Tuskens ride atop each Bantha, and they slowly approach the unsettled townsfolk of Mos Pelgo. They eventually come to a halt.
Later, the Tuskens help the townspeople unload cargo and prepare for the journey ahead. One man hands a Tusken Raider an explosive canister of sorts. "Here. Grab this.“ the man said as the townsperson keep handing the Tusken the white canisters, and they load them onto the side of a Bantha.
The townsperson quite quickly hands the Tusken one, causing the Tusken to drop it onto the deck. Din, (y/n) and Cobb look up, alert. "Hey, hey! What are you doin’? That’s an explosive! What, are you trying to blow the whole place up? What? Is that what you want?” the towns man yells as the Tusken gets up in the townsperson’s face in a confrontational mode.
Cobb Vanth quickly pushes past the Tusken and confronts the townsperson. “Take it easy. It was an accident, okay?” he tells him. “What do you want to do?!” The man yells. “It was an accident!” Cobb yells back at the towns man.
The townspeople and Tuskens continue to work together to load things up. Some male townspeople mumble things such as “Let’s go” and “It’s not gonna work out.” Cobb Vanth walks back over to Din and (y/n) and looks at him, soon speaking in a sarcastic tone. "It’s gonna be great.“
Sometime later, the Banthas ride along a single file upon a sandy ridge in the Tatooine desert, Tuskens and townspeople mounted on their backs. Large expanses of desert stretch before the travellers as they slowly meander along. Cobb, Din and (y/n) slowly ride their speeders alongside the Banthas as they travel, before the line of Banthas finally approach the Krayt Dragon’s cavern.
As they stop, a fair distance away from the cave, the Tuskens and townspeople dismount and chatter amongst themselves, running around in preparation. In a large crowd, everyone steps forward together towards the edge of a short ridge overlooking the cave, toolboxes and explosives on hand, watching as a single Tusken Raider steps towards the entrance of the den.
The Tusken stops at the mouth of the cave, getting down on its knees and leaning its head towards the ground, and resting its hand on the sand. The Child gazes out of its pouch, nervous.
After a moment, the Tusken looks up, and a low rumbling is heard from the cave. The Tusken turns back towards the crowd and signals something to them.
”What’d he say?“ Cobb asked Din. "He says it’s sleeping. If we listen carefully, we can hear it breathing.” Din replies as a Tusken Raider hands Cobb another black gourd, which he begrudgingly accepts and takes a large drink from, sighing.
“Let’s get to work.” Din said and the Tuskens begin running about and herding the Banthas around, townspeople carry small explosives. The Tuskens and townspeople work in unity, throwing ropes and weapons to each other to set up, showing that even very different, fighting cultures can become stronger together if they work to defeat something that plagues them both.
“The Tuskens say the belly is the only weak spot, so we have to hit it from below. First, we bury the charges at the opening of the cave. Then, we wake it up. We have to get it angry enough to charge. Once it’s far enough out, and the belly is above the explosives, you hit the detonator.” Din explains to Cobb as everyone gets ready.
The townspeople hand white explosive canisters to each other, and begin to dig large trenches around the mouth of the cave. The Tusken Raiders set up large crossbow-like weapons in a line around the mouth of the cave to use against the creature. They turn wheels and pulleys, and position the large metal arrows so they are pointing in the direction of the cave. The workers continue to dig the trenches, lining them with the white explosive canisters.
A townsperson powers up a detonator, readying it to be used at the push of a button. She slowly makes her way over to Cobb, Din and (y/n), who walk forward towards her. She hands the detonator to Vanth. “Careful, Marshal.” She said to Cobb. “Thank you, Jo. And you stay safe, huh.” he said to her. Jo nods her head and walks back over to the other townspeople.
Cobb, Din and (y/n) walk forward, and look out on the line of Tuskens and townspeople facing along the mouth of the cave, with their weapons at the ready. It is eerily quiet as the workers stand along the mouth of the cave, and several Tuskens lead their Banthas away. Three Tusken Raiders walks straight forward, stopping right at the cavernous opening. They lean their weapons up against their sides, and put their hands to their mouths, screeching out into the large cave to wake the Krayt Dragon.
The beast’s growling can soon be heard, and the Tuskens quickly turn and run back to the line of defenses. The Krayt Dragon slowly reveals itself, shooting out of the sand, its mouth open and wide. Cobb Vanth looks petrified, coming to the realization of just how dangerous this could be.
The Tusken Raiders yell and shoot the arrows from the crossbow-devices, however it barely affects the large beast. Two of the three Tuskens who summoned it reach the line of defenses, as the other trips, causing the Krayt Dragon to bite down on it, swallowing it. (Y/n) looks through her spyglass, as the creature begins backing up into its cave.
“Dank farrik, it’s going back in.” (Y/n) growls as some of the Tusken Raiders frantically hold onto the ropes that are attached to the metal arrows that have been shot into the dragon’s head. However this merely pulls them along the sand towards the beast, and some of the arrows soon come loose.
Many Tuskens run forward to save their brothers, as a few townspeople shoot at the Krayt Dragon, to no avail. "It’s retreating.“ (y/n) said and Cobb looks down at the detonator in his hands. "I’m going to hit it.” he said but Din turns to him. “No, wait. We only have one shot. We’ve gotta get it out.” Din said.
The townspeople begin throwing small grenades at the Krayt Dragon to try and get it further out of the cave. The Weequay bartender shoots a rifle at it. Some Tuskens begin shooting as well, and the creature finally begins moving towards them again.
The townspeople and Tuskens continue their barrage of shooting and grenade-throwing, to the extent that the massive Krayt Dragon opens its jaw very wide and charges right towards them with a new anger.
People scream and run as it screeches, and shoves its head into the sand, missing the targeted townspeople it was going for. "Now?“ Cobb asked as he seemed a bit impatient. "Not yet. It’s gotta come out further.” (Y/n) said as she continues looking through her spyglass-like object, as the Tuskens shoot off more of the grappling-hook crossbows, holding tight onto the ropes and coaxing the dragon a bit more towards them.
The giant beast roars and lifts its head, causing Tuskens to fly into the air. The Weequay bartender looks up at it in utter fear, as it roars loudly. The townspeople and Tuskens begin turning and retreating, as the Krayt Dragon suddenly begins spitting its green, slimy venom at them, inflicting very heavy casualties. It dives forward towards them, slamming its head into the sand again and closing its mouth. "Almost, almost.“ she mutters then shouts. "Now!”
Cobb clicks the detonator, and the explosives go off underneath the Krayt Dragon, causing it to roar out in pain. The townspeople and Tuskens fall backwards the duck for cover of flying sand. Cobb, Din and (y/n) flinch, and the Child looks on, squinting at the explosion.
The workers duck and cover their eyes, as the particles blow at them, and the dragon sinks down into the desert sand. They begin to look up again, as it becomes quieter, and help each other up. They slowly approach the place where the beast disappeared with curiosity. "I don’t think it’s dead.“ Cobb said. "Me either.” Din and (y/n) said.
As the workers look around, a low rumbling is heard, and everyone looks up to the cliff face above the cavern. The Krayt Dragon bursts through the rock, roaring viciously, and begins shooting its venom down from its gaping maw, high above its attackers, again inflicting heavy casualties of Tuskens and townspeople. "It’s picking us off like womp rats. Let’s get after it.“ Cobb said.
They grab their rifles as the Child looks on from his pouch. Cobb puts his helmet on then the two men in Mandalorian armor and former female Mandalorian use their jetpacks to fly up towards the dragon. The Child angles its head upwards, looking curiously at them.
They fly high into the sky, and land on the rocky ridge next to the Krayt Dragon, right beside its head. They ready their guns, and point them at the creature, shooting near its eye, which does absolutely nothing. "This ain’t doing a thing!” Cobb shouts. “Just keep shooting.” Din said as they keep firing. Finally get the Krayt Dragon’s attention, and it turns its head towards them, opening its mouth wide.
They fly away to safety just before the creature bites down on the rock they had landed on. Flying back to the ground, they get in defensive positions, pointing their guns towards the dragon on the ridge. The creature retreats back down into the rock face, and everyone looks on in suspense.
Some of the Tuskens lower their rifles as an ominous cloud of grey dust travels down the rocky ridge-like hill, and the Krayt Dragon suddenly bursts out of the sand behind them. Cobb, Din and (y/n) swiftly turn around, and the dragon glides through the sand towards them and their allies.
“There he is.” (Y/n) shouts as rhe dragon continues to burst through the sand, consuming a few townspeople and Tuskens. (Y/n) looks over to a whining Bantha with a large amount of the white explosive canisters hitched to its side, and seemingly has an idea.
“I’ve got an idea. Get its attention.” She shouts at the men and Cobb and Din obliges, as Cobb swiftly using his targeting rangefinder to shoot his back rocket towards the beast, hitting it in the head and causing a large explosion, while Din fires his rifle at it. The Krayt Dragon screeches in pain, and angrily turns its head towards the trio.
Tuskens and townspeople yell “Go!” and “Run!”, scrambling off away from their large attacker. "We've got its attention! Now what?“ Cobb asked. "You still have that detonator?” (y/n) asked and Cobb quickly grabs the detonator and hands it to her, frantic to kill the beast. "Take it!“ he said while Din looks at her.
"What are you doing?” He asked, obviously worried about her as she digs in her bag and pulls out a familiar Mandalorian helmet and puts it on. “I don’t know, but wish me luck.” she said. Cobb looks at her in shock as she slams the back of her rifle into Cobb’s and Din’s jetpack, causing the men to fly into the air in order to stay safe from the beast.
(y/n) activates something on the detonator, causing the explosives on the Bantha to activate. As the Banthas moans, the Krayt Dragon swallows another Tusken Raider and moves straight towards the former Mandalorian. The stake for the Bantha shoots out of the ground, and she scrambles to grab it again. "No! No, no, no! Hold on! Hold on! Whoa, whoa, whoa!“ she said, frantically, before she successfully secures the Bantha and turns back towards the Krayt Dragon.
The beast charges right at her and opens its mouth wide, diving towards her and swallowing both her and the Bantha whole. It disappears into the sand, as the remaining Tusken Raiders and townspeople look on in shock.
Cobb and Din were able to secure their malfunctioned jetpack and land on the ground, Cobb's targeting rangefinder having been flicked down by accident in the chaos. It quickly flips itself up, and he begins panting while Din stands up, his heart racing. "No!” He growls, fearfully. “She’s a Mandalorian?!” Cobb asked, confused. “She was.” Din mutters as he watches over this with baited breath.
A few Tuskens slowly approach the place where the dragon leapt into the sand, and Cobb removes his helmet, looking on in shock while the Child whines from his pouch. Many of the townspeople start putting down their weapons.
Suddenly, another loud rumbling is heard, and everyone looks around, unsure. The Krayt Dragon bursts out of the sand again, opening its mouth just as (y/n) flies out of it, who had shocked the inside of its mouth with her rifle to let her out.
With the Bantha still inside of the beast, she clicks the detonator, which causes a massive explosion from inside of the Krayt Dragon. Tuskens and townspeople duck and cover, as a shockwave shoots out in all directions. The foul creature screeches its loud, whooping call one last time, and falls into its wreckages.
(Y/n) lands and turns to see the fallen creature, her armor dripping with its venom. Cobb looks on and smiles, chuckling slightly, and getting up, along with the remaining townspeople and Tusken Raiders. Underneath his helmet, Din smiled with relief once he sees her safe as everyone begins cheering, and lifting up their weapons.
The Townspeople and Tuskens pat each other on the back, and Cobb smiles at (y/n), grateful for her help. Din walks up to her as she removes her helmet and he stands in front of her then leans his head towards her and gives her a Keldabe kiss.
“Sorry, I didn’t have time to explain.” She tells him. “No need.” Din tells her and she smiles at him.
When the dust around the carcass had cleared, half of the dragon’s innards are exposed, its ribs and meat sticking out of the sand. The Tuskens begin to harvest the meat with their gaffi sticks and other tools.
The Child examines a piece of Krayt Dragon meat that Din had put onto the speeder. He covers it with a sheet, and turns to Cobb, who is approaching, holding his armor. He hands it over to (y/n) gratefully. “Here. It is well earned.” He said and he and Din shake hands then he and (y/n) shake hands.
“I hope our paths cross again.” He said. “As do I.” Din said and (y/n) nods. “Oh, and you tell your people I wasn’t the one that broke that.” Cobb said and he walks away over to his townspeople.
One of the Tusken Raiders, digging through the meat of the Krayt Dragon, discovers a large Krayt Dragon pearl, which is a prized treasure on Tatooine. He lifts it into the air to show the others of his kind, and they all begin cheering in triumph, lifting their weapons in the air in sheer celebration.
Din and (y/n) mount their speeder and take off from the area, the twin suns are setting as they drive across the desert. But what the two hunters don’t realize was that they were being watched by a hooded figure, miles away from them.
Two Stormtroopers, one of them carrying a bag with the Child in it, come up on a ridge outside of the town after speeding across the fields on their speeder bikes. "Speeder bikes have arrived at the checkpoint with the asset. Awaiting confirmation.“ the first Stormtrooper said then the Child squeals. The trooper turns and punches the Child. "Knock it off!” He growls as the Child let’s out a noise.
“Waiting for confirmation to continue into town.” the trooper said into the comms. “That’s a go to proceed, but I advise you to double-check. Then Moff just touched down and already took out a squad of local troopers.” the operator said. “Standing by.” the trooper said then he puts away his comms while the second trooper turns to him.
“Did he just say that Gideon killed his own men?” The second trooper asked. “Oh, who knows? These guys like to lay down the law when they first arrive into town, y'know. You know how it is.” the first trooper said and the Child begins to cry. The trooper punches the Child again. “I said, shut up. Yeesh.” He growls as his partner looks at the bag.
“What is that thing, anyway?” The second Trooper asked. “Uh, I don’t know. Maybe Moff wants to eat it. I don’t ask questions.” the first Trooper said. “Can I see it?” asked the second trooper. “Did you not just hear that Moff Gideon killed a dozen of his own troopers to make a point?” the 1st Trooper asked and the 2nd Trooper holds his hands up. “Okay."
”I get that point. Do you get the point?“ The 1st Trooper asked his partner. "Yes.” he said. “Okay.” said the first Trooper said and they sit and wait, bored. Then the 2nd Trooper starts shooting at some garbage, missing everything. The 1st Trooper shakes his head and starts shooting, both of them missing.
“Should we offer that thing some water?” The 2nd Trooper asked, nodding towards the bag. “You just wanna look at it.” the 1st Trooper said. “So what? You got to see it!” the 2nd Trooper said. “Barely. I mean, I grabbed it up off the ground and I stuffed it in the sack.” the 1st Trooper said. “It’s more than I got to see it.” said the 2nd Trooper.
“Look, I’m not taking it out of this bag until I deliver it to the Moff.” said the 1st trooper. “Fine.” the 2nd Trooper grumbles. “Okay. Stop asking.” the 1st Trooper said then he gets off his bike. “Let me check on this thing. This is crazy.” he said then he turns to his comlink.
“Any update yet?” he asked “That’s a negative. Still waiting on confirmation. He just killed and officer for interrupting him, so this might take a while.” The operator said and the 1st Trooper sighs “Thank you. Standing by still.” he said then he puts away the comlink. “Unbelievable.” he grumbles.
“Hey, how long has it been since that thing moved?” the 2nd Trooper asked. “I don’t know, like a minute or two. Don’t worry.” the 1st Trooper said as his partner gets off his bike. “Uh, it’s been way longer than a minute.” he said.
“Oh my God.” The 1st Trooper grumbles. “Shouldn’t we check and see if it’s still alive? You hit it pretty hard.” said the 2nd Trooper. “You just wanna see it.” the 1st Trooper said. “Well, we should check and see if it’s hurt. The last thing that you want is to give Gideon a bag and have him open it up and find whatever is dead…” the 2nd Trooper said. COkay. Okay, look.“ The 1st Trooper said and he opens the bag, revealing the Child.
"Here you go. See? Take a peek. Everything’s fine.” said the 1st Trooper said and his partner looks at the Child then starts poking the little guy. “What is that?” he asked. “I don’t know. It’s a pet or something.” said the 1st Trooper said. “A pet? I thought you–” the 2nd Trooper said and the Child bites his finger.
“OW!” he yelps, shaking his hand then turns back and punches the Child, hard. “Serves you right.” the 1st Trooper said when IG-11 approaches. “Stop that.” the droid said and the Troopers draw their blasters.
“Identify yourself!” The 1st trooper ordered. “I am IG-11. I am this child’s nurse droid and require that you remand him to me immediately.” IG said and the second Trooper chuckles. “A nurse droid? I thought it was a hunter. Aren’t IGs usually hunters?” he asked. “Yeah, well, evidently this one’s a nurse.” the 1st Trooper said as IG approaches them.
“I’m sorry, nurse, but you’re gonna have to get out of here.” The 1st Trooper said and he gives a warning shot to the droid. “Are you refusing my request?” IG asked. “No. I’m telling you to get out of here.” the 1st trooper said as he gets up in front of the droid.
IG-11 grabs the Trooper’s arm and twists it until it snaps, then slams him down. Then he grabs the other Trooper’s head and smashes him down on his bike, repeatedly. Then he gets on the other bike and powers it up. “That was unpleasant. I’m sorry you had to see that.” the droid said to the Child a d they speed off.
Back in the town, Stormtroopers, Death Troopers and Moff Gideon surrounded the common house and were watching it. Cara, Mando, Greef and (y/n) look out the window towards them.
“Is there another way out?” Cara asked. “No, that’s it.” Greef said then (y/n) turns to Mando. “What about the sewers?” she asked him. “Sewers?” Greef asked, confused. “The Mandalorians have a covert down in the sewers. If we can get down there, they can help us escape.” Mando said. “Yeah, sewers are good!” Cara said.
“Checking for access points.” Mando said, and he begins to scan the area in his visor, as Cara looks out the window. “What the hell are they waiting for?” she asked as Stormtroopers began to unpack and bring forward weapons parts. “Hold up.” she said and she sees them setting up a cannon.
“They’re setting up an E-Web.” She said. “It’s over.” Greef said as Mando’s visor reveals a sewer access point behind a bench. “I found the sewer vent.” he informs the others. “Let’s get the hell outta here.” Cara said and they run to the back of the common house and pull the bench off the wall.
Meanwhile, the troopers set up the cannon. Mando, Cara and (Y/n) try to open the sewer grate when (y/n) noticed the troopers, outside, are powering up the weapon.
“It’s assembled.” she said. “How long until that thing’s cleared?” Greef asked then Cara turns to Mando. “Blow it.” she said. “I’m out of charges.” Mando said and Cara grabs her rifle. “Get out of the way!” she yells and tries to shoot the vent grate off while the enemy outside watches and listens.
She tries to kick the vent in, but it doesn’t budge.
“Your astute panic suggests that you understand your situation. I would prefer to avoid any further violence, and encourage a moment of consideration. Members of my escort have completed assembly of an E-Web heavy repeating blaster. If you are unfamiliar with this weapon, I am sure that Republican Shock Trooper Carasynthia Dune of Alderaan will advise you that she has witnessed many of her ranks vaporize mid-descent facing the predecessor of this particular model.” Moff said and Cara looks out towards the window, shocked.
“Or perhaps the decommissioned Mandalorian hunter, Din Djarin, and the former Mandalorian, (y/n) (l/n), have heard the songs of the Siege of Mandalore, when gunships outfitted with similar ordnance laid waste to fields of Mandalorian recruits in The Night of a Thousand Tears.” Moff said and Mando and (y/n) look at each other then out towards the window, while Cara and Greef look at (y/n). “You were Mandalorian?” Greef asked, shocked, and (y/n) gulps as Moff continues.
“I advise disgraced Magistrate Greef Karga to search the wisdom of his years and urge you to lay down your arms and come outside. The structure you are trapped in will be razed in short order and your storied lives will come to an unceremonious end.” Moff said then Greef looks out the window.
“What do you propose?” he asked Moff. “Reasonable negotiation.” Moff replied. “What assurance do you offer?” Greef asked. “If you’re asking if you can trust me…you cannot. Just as you betrayed our business arrangement, I would gladly break any promise and watch you die at my hand. The assurance I give is this: I will act in my own self-interest, which at this time involves your cooperation and benefit. I will give you until nightfall, and then I will have the E-Web cannon open fire.” Moff said and he turns and walks away.
“I say we hear him out.” Greef said to the others. “The minute we open that door, we’re dead.” Cara said. “We’re dead if we don’t. At least out there we’ve got a shot.” Greef said as Cara begins to collect weapons and ammo. “That’s easy for you to say. I’m a Rebel Shock Trooper. They’ll upload me to a Mind Flayer.” she said.
“Those aren’t real. That was just wartime propaganda.” Greef assures her. “Well, I don’t care to find out. I’m shooting my way outta here.” Cara said then Greef turns to the two hunters.
“What about you two?” He asked them. “We know who he is.” Mando said and Cara and Greef look at them, shocked. “It’s Moff Gideon.” (y/n) said. “No. Moff Gideon was executed for war crimes.” Cara said. “It’s him. He knew our names.” Mando said as he gestures between and (y/n).
“So? What does that prove?” Greef asked. “Because he and I are the only ones that know those names and say our names to each other when no one is around.” (Y/n) explains.
“On Mandalore?” Greef asked. "We were not born on Mandalore.“ Mando said. "But you two are Mandalorians.” Greef said. “Mandalorian isn’t a race.” (y/n) said. “It’s a Creed.” Mando added.
Flashback
Din’sfather carries him, his mother by them as they flee from the droids shooting everyone in sight. They come up to an underground storage when another couple, holding a child, comes up to them. Din noticed that it was a young girl was in the couple’s arm.
He has seen the girl when out in town or at their school but he never really knew her. The girl’s parents asked Din’s parents for their help on hiding their daughter as well. His father nods and they open the hatch and put both kids in the storage.
The parents stare at their children, who look up at them in terror, before the close the hatch. The girl grabs her little crystal necklace and holds it close to her chest when an explosion goes off.
The two kids turn their heads away when the hatch opens. The two look up and see a droid standing before them. But before it can kill them, it gets shot up and destroyed. And two Mandalorians come up and pull the children out.
The Mandalorians, one holding Din and the other holding the girl, walk back over to their crew. The two kids watch as the squad of Mandalorians fight the droids and the two Mandalorians takes the kids away, leaving the fight behind.
Present Day
“We were foundings. They raised us in the Fighting Corps. We were treated as one of their own. When we came of age, we were sworn to the Creed.” Mando explains. “But he said (y/n) was a former Mandalorian.” Greef said. “I had my helmet removed during a fight. So I was put in exile.” (Y/n) said. “The only record of our family names were in the registers of Mandalore. Moff Gideon was an ISB Officer during the purge. That’s how we know it’s him.” Mando said.
“That’s how he knows who we all are.” Cara said. “He says he needs us, which means the Child got away safely. I was worried when the Ugnaught didn’t respond, but if they’d captured the kid, we’d already be dead.” (y/n) said and Cara turns to Mando. “Hail them again.” she said and Mando turns to the comlink.
“Come in, Kuiil. Kuiil!” Mando calls but no response. “Nothing.” He mutters. “They might have jammed the link.” Cara said when they head the Child squeal over the comms. “Kuiil has been terminated.” IG-11 replied through the comms.
“What did you do?” Mando asked, angrily. “I am fulfilling my base function.” the droid replied. “Which is?” Mando asked. “To nurse and protect.” the droid replies and he speeds through town, approaching the secured gate.
“What was that? Look alive.” the trooper asked and he starts shooting at the droid but IG-11 takes them out and continues into town, taking down Troopers along his way. Troopers around the common house start noticing and turn their attention.
“Look!” (Y/n) said as she points out the window. IG-1! comes speeding up the road, jumps off the bike to let the bike crash into the Troopers, then proceeds to shoot the Trooper around it. “Cover me!” Mando said and Cara and (y/n) shoot at the troopers from inside the common house.
Mando and Greef leave the common house and start taking out the troopers around them. Then Mando grabs the E-Wev cannon off its base and decimates the Trooper ranks. A Death Trooper blasts the main entry, knocking Cara and (y/n) down, but they are able to take the intruders out.
Moff shows up again and fires his blaster towards Mando’s helmet head. Then he takes out the E-Web power unit, resulting in a massive explosion taking Mando down. IG-11 keeps advancing while Greef and (y/n) grab Mando to drag him to relative safety back inside the common house. “Burn them out.” Moff ordered.
“Stay with me, Din. We’re gonna get you outta here.” (Y/n) said, slightly panicked, while Greef turns to IG-11 and points to the sewer grate. “This is our only way out. Can you clear it?” he asked the droid and the droid goes to the grate while (y/n) and Cara lay Mando down.
“Stay with me.” (y/n) pleads. “If you go near this Child, I will have no choice but to kill you.” the droid warns Greef. “I understand. Can you do anything to move the grate?” Greef asked. “Yes, of course.” IG-11 said and he gets to work. “Oh, I love IG units.” Greef said.
“I’m not gonna make it. Go.” Mando tells (y/n). “Shut up. You just got your bell rung. You’ll be fine.” (Y/n) assures him. “Leave me.” Mando said, weakly, as (y/n) pulls her hand from under Mando’s head to see it was full of blood.
“I’m gonna need to take this thing off.” She said but Mando grabs her hands. “No. You leave me.” he gasps. “You make sure the Child is safe. Here.” He said and he pulls off a necklace, giving it to (y/n). “When you get to the Mandalorian covert, you show them that.” Mando said to her. “I’m a Dar'manda. They won’t help me.” (Y/n) said.
“You tell them it’s from Din Djarin. You tell them the foundling was in my protection, and they’ll help you.” Din adds and (y/n)’s eyes start to tear up. “We can make it.” she said, her voice shaking.
Outside, an Incinerator Stormtrooper walks up to the house and (y/n) tries to push and pull Din. “Come on! Let’s go!” she said, frantically, as Cara tries to help but Din shakes his head. “I’m not gonna make it, and you know it.” he said to her, weakly.
A blast of fire bursts through the window and (y/n) covers Din with her body while IG-11 continues to work on the vent grate. “You protect the Child. I can hold them back long enough for you to escape. Let me have a warrior’s death.” Din said to (y/n) as she sits back up and she places her hand on his chest, tears running down her face.
“I won’t leave you.” She cries and Din places his hand over hers and runs his thumbs across her fingers. “This is the Way.” He said and (y/n) closes her eyes then Din raises his other hand and places his pointer finger and thumb under her chin and brings her head up to face him.
She opens her eyes as he removes his finger and thumb off of her chin then placed his hand on her cheek. A few tears run down her face and he uses his thumb to wipe away the tears he could before she starts to lean in towards him and places her forehead against his forehead, a Keldabe kiss as they call it.
The Incinerator Stormtrooper blasts fire through the open door and the Child crepts out of his bag and stands in the middle of the room. The Stormtrooper enters the common house and everyone looks on in horror as the Child is directly in the way of the flamethrower, holding off the flames.
Then he pushes the flames out, throwing the Trooper out in an explosion, saving them all. The Child falls over, spent once again, and IG-11 kicks in the vent grate. “Come on! It’s open, let’s go!” Greef shouts as (y/n) pulls her head back up. “Go. Go.” Din gasps to (y/n) as Greef shouts. “We have to move. Now!”
IG-11 grabs the Child and walks over to (y/n), Cara and Din. “Go.” Din tells (y/n), rasping, and Cara places a hand on (y/n)’s shoulder. “C'mon.” She whispers and (y/n) gets up when IG-11 shoves the Child, in the bag, into (y/n)’s arms.
“Escape and protect this child. I will stay with the Mandalorian.” the droid said and (y/n) looks at him, shocked. “Promise me you’ll bring him.” she pleads. “You have my word.” the droid promised and (y/n) nods at him then her, Cara and Greef leave with the Child.
IG-11 kneels down by Din. “DO it.” Din growls. “Do what?” the droid asked. “Just get it over with. I’d rather you kill me than some Imp.” Din said. “I told you, I am no longer a hunter. I am a nurse droid.” affirms the Droid. “IGs are all hunters.” Din sneers. “Not this one. I was reprogrammed. I need to remove your helmet if I am to save you.” said the Droid and he reaches to grab the helmet but Din raises a blaster to his face.
“Try it and I’ll kill you. It is…forbidden. No living thing has seen me without my helmet since I…swore the Creed.” Din said. “I am not a living thing.” IG-11 tells him and this makes Din think for a moment then he lowers the blaster, letting the droid remove his helmet.
“This is a bacta spray.” The droid tells him as he applies the spray to Din’s wound. “It will heal you in a matter of hours. You have suffered damage to your central processing unit.” He tells him and Din furrows his brow. “You mean my brain?” he asked. “That was a joke. It is meant to put you at ease.” the droid tells him and Din gives a labored chuckle.
In the sewers, Cara, Greef and (y/n) turn as they hear footsteps behind them. It’s IG-11 with Din, helmet back on, (y/n) let’s put a surprised gasp as Cara goes to IG-11 and takes over helping Din. “I got you.” she said and they lead him over to (y/n), who gives a small smile at him.
“Don’t scare me like that again.” She said to him and he let’s out chuckle. “I’ll try not to.” He said and they make their way through the sewers.
“Do you know which way to go?” Greef asked Din. “No. I don’t know these tunnels. I’ve only entered from the bazaar.” Din replied. “Well, if we get the smell of sulfur and we follow it, it’ll lead us up to the plains where the river flows.” Greef said. “And the Imps will catch us before we make it to the ship. We need the Mandalorians to escort us to safety.” Din said as they make their way further into the sewers.
“Ugh, this place is a maze.” Cara grumbles. “Stop. I can stand.” Din said. “The bacta infusion is working.” IG-11 said and Din turns to the others. “I’ll try to find tracks.” he said and he begins to look around a bit then points. “We’re close. Turn here.” He said and they come upon a pile of Mandalorian armor, mostly helmets.
Din and (y/n) drop to their knees in front of it, Din takes one of the helmets while (y/n) covers her mouth with her hand. Cara steps closer and said, gently. “We should go.”
“You go. Take the ship. We can’t leave it this way.” (Y/n) said then Din turns to Greef. “Did you know about this? Is this the work of your bounty hunters?” Din asked him, angrily. “No. When you left the system and took the prize, the fighting ended and the hunters just melted away. You know how it is. They’re mercenaries. They’re not zealots.” Greef said then Din and (y/n) get up and round on Greef.
“Did you do this?” (Y/n) asked him, angrily, then she gets up in his face. “Did you?!” She asked. “No!” Greef said. “It was not his fault.” a voice said and everyone turns to see the Armorer standing nearby. “We revealed ourselves. We knew what could happen if we left the covert.” she said as she takes a piece of armor from the pile and added it to a floating cart.
“The Imperials arrived shortly thereafter. This is what resulted.” she said. “Did any survive?” Din asked her. “I hope so. Some may have escaped off-world.” she replied. “Come with us.” Din said to her. “No. I will not abandon this place until I have salvaged what remains.” said the Armorer and she leaves and everyone follows her into the forge, where she melts down armor pieces.
“Show me the one whose safety deemd such desruction.” she said and (y/n) walks up, holding the Child. “This is the one.” Din said and the Armorer turns to her. “So it is true. The Dar'manda is the one that was traveling with you.” She said. “I may not be part of the Creed anymore, but I will never turn my back on those who need me.” (y/n) said as the Armorer looks her over.
“She has saved my life multiple times.” Din said and the Armorer turns to him then back to (y/n). “Good.” She said then she looks at the Child in (y/n)’s arms.
“This is the one you hunted, then saved?” The Armorer asked Din. “Yes. The one that saved me and her as well.” Din said as he points at (y/n). “From the mudhorn?” the Armorer asked. “Yes.” he said. “It looks helpless.” She points out.
“It’s injured, but it is not helpless. Its species can move objects with its mind.” (y/n) explains. “I know of such things. The songs of eons past tell of battles between Mandalore the Great and an order of sorcerers called Jedi that fought with such powers.” the Armorer explains.
“It is an enemy?” Din asked. “No. Its kind were enemies, but this individual is not.” the Armorer said. “What is it?” Din asked. “It is a foundling. By Creed, it is in your care.” she said. “You wish me to train this thing?” he asked her. “It is too weak. It would die. You have no choice. You must reunite it with its own kind.” she said.
“Where?” Din asked. “This, you must determine.” she said. “You expect me to search the galaxy for the home of this creature and deliver it to a race of enemy sorcerers?” Din asked and the Armorer turns to him. “This is the Way.” she said.
“Hey. These tunnels will be lousy with Imps in a matter of minutes. We should at least discuss an escape plan.” Cara said. “If you follow the descending tunnel it will lead you to the underground river. It flows downstream toward the lava flats.” The Armorer said. “I think we should go.” Greef said. “I’m staying. I need to help her, and I need to heal.” Din said.
“You must go. A foundling is in your care. By Creed, until it is of age or reunited with its own kind, you are as its father. This is the Way. You have earned your Signet.” The Armorer said and she attaches the signet to his pauldron. “You are a clan of three.” She said and Din and (y/n) look up at her and she gives them a nod. “Thank you. I will wear this with honor.” Din tells her as (y/n) smiles and nods at the Armorer.
“There is something else.” The Armorer said as she turns her back away from them and goes over a table. “I had made these awhile back, hoping to give them to another Mandalorian. But I would feel better if they were in your hands.” She said as she picks something up and walks over to (y/n).
The former Mandalorian raises an eyebrow as Armorer holds out arm gauntlets that looked like it was made out of beskar. (Y/n) gives her a confused look. “Me?” She said. “You have proven yourself worthy.” The Armorer said and (y/n) hands the Child to IG-11 before she takes the gauntlets and puts them on.
She noticed there was a switch in the gauntlets and she pushes it, making both the gauntlets turn to shields. “Thank you.” (Y/n) said as she retracted the shield.
An explosion goes off and startles the group as Stormtroopersbegin entering the tunnels. “We should go.” Greef said and Armorer turns to the droid. “IG, please guard the outer hallway. A scouting party draws near.” she said and the droid heads out.
“I have one more gift for your journey. Have you trained in the Rising Phoenix?” The Armorer asked Din. “When I was a boy, yes.” Din replied. “Then this…” she said as she turns and holds out a jetpack. “…will make you complete.” She said. “Thank you.” he said, appreciatively.
“When you have healed, you will begin your drills. Until you know it, it will not listen to your commands.” said the Armorer. “I understand.” Din said as blasters were heard for a few seconds before it goes quiet.
Then IG-11 returns. “You are protected.” he informs. “More will come. You must go.” the Armorer tells them. “Come with us.” (y/n) said to her. My place is here. Restock your munitions.“ she tells them then she turns to IG-11. "IG, carry this for Din Djarin until he is well enough to wear it.” She said as she passes the jetpack to the droid.
“Now, go! Down to the river and across the plains. Be safe on your journey,” she tells them. “Thank you.” Din said and they began to escape.
Moments later, they arrive at an underground lava river. “This is the lava river.” Greef said as Din goes up to the ferry. “The ferry droid is fried.” Din said. “Yeah, but if we push the boat out we can get it to float downstream. Come on.” Greef said as he goes up to the ferry. “Looks old. Will it take the heat?” (Y/n) asked him. “You got a better idea?” Greef asked her. “Guess not.” she said.
They push the boat, but it doesn’t budge. “Push!” Greef said and, frustrated, Din kicks at the boat. “Come on! What’re you doing?” Greef asked as Din grabs a pole. “Let’s try this.” he said and they began to push. “Push!” Greef yells as he and Din push but then Cara unslings her rifle.
“You guys mind getting out of the way?” She asked and they step out of the way. She shoots at the cooled lava locking the boat in and it finally comes loose. “Good job.” Greef said. “Watch your feet. It’s molten lava.” IG-11 said and they get into the boat. “No kidding.” Cara mutters, sarcastically.
The ferry droid comes to life and everyone turns to train their blaster on it. It gets up, beeping. “I don’t suppose anybody here speaks droid?” Din asked. “I believe he is asking where we would like to go.” IG-11 replied. “Down river. To the lava flat.” Greef tells the ferry droid.
The droid beeps and starts moving the boat along. Then Greef points to a light at the end of the tunnel. “That’s it. We’re free!” he exclaims but Din scans ahead with his visor. “No. No, we’re not. Stormtroopers. They’re flanking the mouth of the tunnel. It looks like an entire platoon. They must know we’re coming.” Din said and Cara turns to the ferry droid.
“Stop the boat. Hey, droid, I said stop the boat. Hey, I’m talking to you. I said stop!” She yells and she shoots its head off and everyone looks around. “We’re still moving.” (y/n) said, worried, and the Child curled up to her chest then grabs onto her crystal pendant.
“Looks like we fight.” Cara said. “There are too many.” Din tells her. “Well, then what do you suggest? Cuz I can’t surrender.” Cara said. “They will not be satisfied with anything less than the Child. This is unacceptable. I will eliminate the enemy, and you will escape.” IG-11 said and Din turns to him.
“You don’t have that kind of firepower, pal. You wouldn’t even get to daylight.” He tells the droid. “That is not my objective.” IG-11 tells him. “We’re getting close. Saddle up.” Cara said a she gets her weapon ready. “I still have the security protocols from my manufacturer. If my designs are compromised, I must self-destruct.” IG-11 said.
“What are you talking about?” (Y/n) asked him. “I’m not permitted to be captured. I must be destroyed.” IG-11 replied. “Are we gonna keep talking or we gonna get outta here?” Greef asked as IG-11 puts the jetpack down. “I can no longer carry this for you. Nor can I watch over the child.” he said as he hands the Child back to (y/n).
“Wait. You can’t self-destruct. Your base command is to watch the child. That supersedes your manufacturer’s protocol, right? Right?” Din asked the droid. “This is correct.” said IG-11. “Good. Now grab a blaster and help us shoot our way out.” Din tells him. “Victory through combat is impossible. We will be captured. The child will be lost. Sadly, there is no scenario where the child is saved, in which I survive.” said the droid.
“Listen, you’re not going anywhere. We need you. Let’s just come with a–” Din started to say but IG-11 speaks up. “Please tell me the child will be safe in your care. If you do so, I can default to my secondary command."
”But you’ll be destroyed.“ (Y/n) said as she steps forward. "And you will live, and I will have served my purpose.” IG-11 said as she gives him a sad look. “No. We need you.” Din said, his voice rough with emotion. “There is nothing to be sad about. I have never been alive.” IG-11 said.
“I’m not sad.” Din replies. “Yes you are. I’m a nurse droid. I’ve analyzed your voice.” IG-11 said then he caresses the Child in farewell. Then the droid begins to step off of the boat and into the lava stream. “IG! What’re you doing?!” Greef calls out as IG marches through the lava stream to the mouth of the tunnel, where the Stormtroopers are lying in ambush.
“Manufacturer’s protocol dictates I cannot be captured.” he said as his breastplate opens to reveal an active grenade. “I must be destroyed.” He said and he explodes, taking out all the Stormtroopers.
As the boat emerges from the tunnel, a TIE fighter appears. “Moff Gideon!” Cara exclaimed and the TIE fighter opens fire on the group and they shoot back. “He missed!” Greef said as they take cover. “He won’t next time.” (y/n) said. “Our blasters are useless against him.” said Cara.
“Hey, let’s make the baby do the magic hand thing. Come on, baby! Do the magic hand thing.” Greef said and he waves his hand at the Child. The Child smiles and waves back at him then Greef turns to the others. "I’m out of ideas.“ He said. "I’m not.” Din said as Cara looks out and sees the fighter coming back.
“Here he comes!” She shouts. Under grunts of pain, Din attaches the jetpack and fires it up as the fighter approaches again. He shoots up just before the TIE fighter passes above them, then turns and hooks on to the fighter with his grappling hook.
He mounts the fighter, nearly getting bucked and loses a charge. But he was able to manage to stick a couple of charges to the TIE fighter before letting go. The charges explode and the TIE fighter crashes while Din falls. (Y/n)’s heart races then she hands the Child to Greef. “Hold him.” She said and she runs and activates her jetpack and flies towards Din.
She just gets to him and grabs his hand just as he manages to re-engage his jetpack. The two stop in mid-air and, while still holding hands, the two land safely. “That was impressive, Mando. Very impressive. It looks like your Guild rates have just gone up.” Greef said as he walks up to the two and sets the Child down.
“Any more stormtroopers?” Din asked. “I think we cleaned up the town. I’m thinking of staying aorund just to be sure.” Cara said. “You’re staying here?” (y/n) asked her and she nods. “Well, why not? Nevarro is a very fine planet. And now that the scum and villainy have been washed away, it’s very respectable again.” Greef said.
“As a bounty hunter hive?” Din asked him. “Some of my favorite people are bounty hunters. And perhaps, this specimen of soldier might consider joining our ranks.” Greef said as he gestures to Cara. “Yeah…I’ve got some clerical concerns regarding my chain code.” she said and the Child waddles up to Din and (y/n).
Then he grabs onto Din’s leg with one hand then grabs (y/n)’s leg with his other hand, standing between the two. “And if you would agree to become my enforcer, clerical concerns would be the least of your worries.” Greef said to Cara then he turns to Din and (y/n). “But you, my friends, you two will be welcome back into the Guild with open arms. So, go off, enjoy yourself. And when you’re ready to return, you will have the pick of all quarries.” He said and Mando picks up the Child.
“I’m afraid we have more pressing matters at hand.” Din said as (y/n) nods. Cara then steps forward and rubs the Child’s ear. “Take care of this little one.” she said as she steps back and Greef touches the Child’s ear gently. “Or maybe…it’ll take care of both of you.” he said..
The two hunters nod and engages their jetpacks and take off with the Child in Din’s arms. They make their way back to the Razer Crest and see Kuiil’s dead body. They bury him and once they were done making a burial mound, they make their way towards the ship.
They enter the cockpit and Din sets the Child down and he powers up the ship as (y/n) sits down in the second seat. Then they hear a sound and they turn to the Child, who has something in his hands and sucking on it. “What do you got there?” (y/n) asked and she takes the pendant from the Child.
She holds up the pendant and Din reaches out for the pendant as well. “I didn’t think I’d see this again.” he whispers then he looks up at the Child. “Why don’t you hang on to that?” he asked as they hand the pendant back to the Child to suck on it.
They take off and leave Nevarro behind and Din steers the ship for awhile but lowers his head a bit. “Everything okay?” (Y/n) asked once she noticed his demeanor. Din sits there for a moment, thinking back at that moment in the common house.
For a moment, just a moment, he almost died and almost lost the opportunity to tell (y/n) his true feelings. Ever since the day they were rescued, he always felt some sort’ve feelings for her. Being so young, he wasn’t for sure what he was feeling. He thought he was being protective of her as they lived in the same village and he felt she was the only one who could understand him.
But as he got older, his feelings would grow for her. And what really sealed the deal and made him realize what he was feeling was when he and (y/n) were on one of their early missions. They were fighting a crew of men and he had taken out a few on his own. He turns and sees that she had about three guys surrounding her.
Panicked, he ran towards her but, before he could make it to her, she punched, kicked and shot the men off of her. And this shocked Din but also made him feel proud of her. He remembered her teasing him about coming to her rescue and that’s when he started to realize that he was developing feelings for her.
After her incident, Din was devastated to hear that she has been exiled from the clan despite it not being entirely her fault. And at the time they had to say goodbye, Din was so close to confessing to (y/n) how he felt about her. But he held back maybe because he knew he’ll see her again or maybe he didn’t want to bring it up as it was too late to bring it up as she was turning to leave.
It’s better this way He thought as he watched her walk away, feeling defeated for the first time in a long time.
He turns to her then looks over at the Child to see that he had fallen asleep. He looks back at (y/n) then sighs. “There’s…There’s something I wanna do but….I need you to close your eyes.” He said and she raises an eyebrow at this. “Just, trust me.” Din said and she lowers her eyebrow and smirks. “Okay…” she said, with a suspicious tone in her voice.
Eventually, she closes her eyes and Din felt a lump in his throat. He was nervous, hell, he could feel himself trembling slightly as he removes his helmet, which hissed once he started to pull it off, revealing his dark hair, matching eyes and tan skin. He stares at (y/n) who still has her eyes closed with a furrow look of suspicious and confusion crossed over in her features as she awaits for what comes next.
Hearing the sound of the helmet being removed causes (y/n) to let out a short gasp of the revelation.
Din removed his helmet.
But why? She thought to herself. Fearful for him breaking the creed, she kept her eyes shut, knowing full well of the consequences of revealing themselves to anyone. They both knew it was dangerous, but as long as she doesn’t see, he’ll be safe from the same fate she had years ago.
Then she felt the warmth of his hands cradling her chin and her head is gently tilted upwards where she felt the breeze hitting her lips, which gives shivers down her spine. The former Mandalorian reached her hands up, feeling that he had a bit of facial hair above his lip, then her fingers linger up to the back of his head, finding slight curls that have been slightly dampened with sweat.
The feeling of her fingers through his hair made Din close his eyes as she gently runs her fingers through his dark hair.
Her hands than wander back to his face, feeling the features on his face. She often wondered what he looked like now after all those years hiding behind that beskar mask. Last time she saw his face was when they were mere children. The boy she had known for a long time had grown handsomely before her, at least from what she could tell from just touching his face with her fingers.
“Is this okay?” He whispers to her, his lips nearly touching her lips. Her heart jumped at hearing his voice clear as day and not modulated from the helmet. “I trust you.” She responds, softly, pulling him closer to her by wrapping her arms around his neck. She presses a long, tender kiss that nearly stole his breath away.
Din immediately responded back, passionately, as he savors this moment. As they break the kiss, just to catch their breath, Din presses his forehead against hers. “I thought I was supposed to make the first move.” he asked her.
“Too bad, you were taking so long that I had to take matters into my own hands.” She chuckles as she smirks back at him, her eyes remained closed but she could tell he rolled his eyes at her response. He then presses a quick kiss to her lips once again before he pulls away from her, her hands go and rest by her side.
He smiles at her as he picks up his helmet and puts it back on. “Okay.” He said and she slowly opens her eyes to see his helmet was back on his head. She smiles at him and she had a feeling he was smiling as well, which he was, then he reaches out and places a hand over hers.
They stare at each other for a moment before (y/n) clears her throat. “Anyway, where to next, oh fearless leader?” She teased and she heard a small chuckle come out of him as he turns in his chair and starts to punch in some coordinates in. “I think I know.” Din said and puts the ship into hyperspace.
Back on Nevarro, some Jawas come up to the crash site of the TIE fighter. They start to pick the wreck apart when a blade of a laser weapon cuts through the hull from the inside. The Jawas ran off in fright as Moff Gideon steps out and on top of the wreck, wielding the Darksaber.
(Y/n) was rocking the Child to sleep in her arms as the Razer Crest continued on its travel through space. Mando looks over at them and smirks as he sees the Child sleeping in her arms.
But the moment is short lived as a hologram message pops up. The two hunters look over and see that it is Greef Karga. “My friend, if you are receiving this transmission that means you are alive. You might be surprised to hear this but I am alive too. I guess we can call it even. A lot has happened since we last saw each other.” Greef said and the two hunters share a look.
“The man who hired you two is still here, and his ranks of ex-Imperial guards have grown. They have imposed despotic rule over my city, which has impeded the livelihood of the Guild. We consider him an enemy but we cannot get close enough to take him out. If you and your partner would consider one last commission, I will very much make it worth your while. You have been successful so far in staving off their hunters. But they will not stop until they have their prize.” He continued but (y/n) could feel that something was off about this.
“So here is my proposition: Return to Nevarro, bring the Child as bait. I will arrange an exchange and provide loyal Guild members as protection. Once we get near the client, you two kill him, and all of us get what we want. If you succeed, you and your partner keep the Child and I will have both of your names cleared with the Guild, for a man of honor should not be forced to live in exile. I await your arrival with optimism.” Greef finished and the message finished then Mando turns to (y/n).
“I’ve got a bad feeling about this, Din.” (Y/n) said. “Yeah, me too.” He said as (y/n) looks down at the Child. “But…if we don’t do something…they’ll keep coming…” Mando said and (y/n) frowns then let’s out a sigh. “We’re gonna need backup.” She said and he nods. “Agreed.” He said and he turns back to the main dashboard and sets a course. Then the ship jumps into hyperspace.
Minutes later, they arrive in Sorgan and Mando lands the ship in a clearing. Then the two hunters, after setting the Child in the carrier, head out.
In the common house, Cara Dune was in a laser tethered boxing match against a male Zabrak. They trade blows until she was able to knock him out and the crowd cheers. “Pay up, mudscuffers! Come on.” Cara said and the patrons began paying her. "That’s mine, thank you. Thank you.“ She said as Mando and (y/n) walk in.
"Looking for some work?” Mando asked her and she smiles at them then gestures towards a table.
Sometime later, after getting some spotchka, Mando and (y/n) begins to explain their plan. “It seems like a straightforward operation. They’re providing the plan and firepower, (y/n) and I are the snare.” Mando said. “With the kid?” Cara asked. “That’s why we're coming to you.” (y/n) said. “I don’t know. I’ve been advised to lay low. If anybody runs my chain code I’ll rot in a cell for the rest of my life.” Cara explains.
“I thought you were a veteran.” (Y/n) said, questioning, as the Zabrak boxer comes up and drops some coins on the table. “Come back soon.” Cara said to him, sweetly, and the Zabrak walks away. Cara turns back to the hunters and said. “I’ve been a lot things since, most of them carry a life sentence. If I so much as book passage on a ship registered to the New Republic I’m–”
“Wehave a ship. We can bring you there and back with a handsome reward. You can live free of worry.” (Y/n) said. “I’m already free of worry. And I’m not in the mood to play soldier anymore. Especially fighting some local warlord.” Car said as she picks up her cup.
“He’s not a local warlord. He’s Imperial.” Mando said and Cara stops and looks at him then she starts to smile, slowly. “I’m in.” she said and takes a sip of her drink.
“Does your contact need to vet me?” Cara asked the hunters as they sit in the cockpit of the ship, as it traveled through space. “Doesn’t know you’re coming.” Mando said. “Really? That can be a problem.” Cara said. “It won’t. But if it is, that’s his problem.” (y/n) said and her and Mando leave the cockpit and Cara follows them.
“He all right up there alone?” Cara asked, referring to the Child, as Mando opens the weapons vault. “Yeah.” Mando and (y/n) said, in unison, and Cara ogles the weapons.
“Pick one.” Mando said and Cara begins to inspect the weapons. “You trust the contact?” Cara asked the two hunters. “Not particularly.” Mando said as (y/n) shakes her head. “We’ve had a run-in last time we were there on some Guild business.” Mando said.
“So then why are we going?” Cara asked. “We don’t have a choice. You saw what happened on Sorgan. They’ll keep sending hunters. The kid’ll never be safe until the Imp is dead.” (y/n) said. “And you two are okay with bringing him back there?” Cara asked them, her eyebrow raised. “Not really. That’s why we’re bringing you.” Mando said.
Suddenly, the ship shakes and banks, making everyone stumble a bit. They climb up into the cockpit to find the Child playing with the ship’s controls. Mando grabs the Child, hands it to (y/n) and stabilizes the ship.
“We’re gonna need someone to watch that thing.” Cara said as she nods at the Child while (y/n) rocks him. “Yeah…” Mando and (y/n) said. “You guys got anyone you can trust?” Cara asked them and Mando and (y/n) share a look, coming to the same conclusion.
“Whoa! Easy, Whoa!” Kuiil said to the creature as the Razer Crest lands near his moisture farm. Moments later, Mando, Cara and (y/n) enter Kuiil’s residence with the Child in a floating crib.
“It hasn’t grown much.” Kuiil said, gesturing at the Child. “I think it might be a strand-cast.” Mando said. “I don’t think it was engineered. I’ve worked in the gene farms. This one looks evolved. Too ugly. This one on the other hand…” Kuiil said then points at Cara. “…looks like she was farmed in the Cytocaves of Nora."
”This is Cara Dune. She was a shock-trooper.“ (Y/n) explains and Kuiil looks up at her. "You were a dropper?” he asked. “Did you serve?” Cara asked him. “On the other side, I’m afraid. But I’m proud to say that I paid out my clan’s debt and now I serve no one but myself.” Kuiil said then IG-11 enters the building with a tray.
Mando, Cara send (y/n) jump up and draw their blasters on the droid. “Would anyone care for some tea?” the droid asked and Kuiil gets between them. “Please lower your blasters. He will not harm you.” Kuiil assures.
“That thing is programmed to kill the baby.” (Y/n) said in a low tone. “Not anymore.” Kuiil said as IG-11 places the tray on the table. “It was left behind in the wake of your destruction. I found it, laying where it fell, devoid of all life. I recovered the flotsam and staked it as my own in accordance with the Charter of the New Republic. Little remained of its neural harness. Reconstruction was quite difficult, but not impossible. It had to learn everything from scratch. This is something that cannot be taught with the twist of a spanner. It requires patience, repetition. I spent day after day reinforcing its development with patience and affirmation. It developed a personality as its experiences grew.” Kuiil explains.
“Is it still a hunter?” Mando asked him. “No. But it will protect.” Kuiil said as IG-11 lifts up a cup. “Tea?” it asked and everyone gives each other confused looks.
Later, Kuiil was tending to a blurrg when Mando comes up to him. “I’ve run into some problems.” he said. “I figured as much. Why else would you return?” Kuiil said. “I wanna hire your services.” said Mando. “I’m retired from service.” Kuiil reminds him.
“I can pay you handsomely, Ugnaught.” Mando said. “I have a name. It is Kuiil.” Kuiil said and Mando nods, slightly. “I need someone to protect the little one, Kuiil.” he said. “I’m not suited for such work. I can reprogram IG-11 for nursing and protocol.” Kuiil said. “No! I don’t want that droid anywhere near him.” Mando said, firmly, and Kuiil turns to him.
“Why are you so distrustful of droids?” Kuiil asked him. “It tried to kill him.” Mando explained. “It was programmed to do so. Droids are not good or bad. They are neutral reflections of those who imprint them.” Kuiil said. “I’ve seen otherwise.” Mando growls, and Kuiil looks up at him.
“Do you trust me?” Kuiil asked him, curiously. “From what I can tell, yes.” Mando replied. “Then you will trust my work. IG-11 will join me. And we do it not for payment, but to protect the Child from Imperial slavery. None will be free until the old ways are gone. Forever.” said Kuiil. “Okay.” Mando said. Kuiil nods then starts to walk away.
“And the blurrgs will join me as well.” He said. “The blurrgs?” Mando asked. “I have spoken.” Kuiil said as he walks off.
After getting some blurrg’s in the ship, the Razer Crest begins to take off and leave Arvala-7 behind. Minutes later, Mando and Cara start to arm wrestle to pass the time while Kuiil, (y/n) and the Child watch on. “I got you, Mando.” Cara said as the two struggle to take their opponent out. “Care to double the bet?” Mando asked and (y/n) shakes her head at this.
the Child looks on, worried, then looks up at (y/n), confused at why she wasn’t doing anything. So he turns back to Mando and raises his hand. At that moment, (y/n) felt that odd sense of power again just as Cara begins to gasp for air. Mando jumps at this then him and (y/n) look at the Child before both of them go to him and grab him.
“No! No no, stop!” (Y/n) said just as Mando said. "We’re friends, we’re friends! Cara is our friend!“ Then Cara was able to breath as she begins to gasp for air while Kuiil watched this with curiosity.
”That is not okay!“ Cara exclaimed. "Very curious.” Kuiil said and Cara looks over at him in anger. “Curious?! It almost killed me!” she yelled. “The story you told me of the mudhorn now makes more sense.” Kuiil said as he turns to Mando and (y/n).
“What is it?” Mando asked him. “What it is, I don’t know. But what it does, this, this I’ve heard rumours of.” Kuiil replied. “What? When you worked for the Empire?” Cara growls. “When I was sold to the Empire, in indentured servitude.” Kuiil said. “Yet somehow, you walk free.” Cara grumbles.
“I bought my freedom through the skill of my hands and the labour of three of your human lifetimes. Do not cast doubt upon that of what I am nor whom I shall serve.” Kuiil said as IG-11 approaches and it and Cara stare at each other.
“Tell you what. I can really use your craftwork right now. Can you pad this container so the Child can sleep better?” Mando asked as he gestures towards the Child’s carrier. “I shall fabricate a better one. Then perhaps this dropper can see how one can win their freedom with the skill of one’s hands.” Kuiil said and moment later, he got to work on it with the Child by his side.
“So we’re going to Nevarro.” Cara said as her, Mando and (y/n) sit in the cockpit. “Have you ever been?” (y/n) asked her. “No. We lost all of our forces there. The city’s dug in pretty deep. There’s no cover when you drop in. Stayed in Empire control till the end of the war.” Cara replied.
“The warlord we’re taking out was an Imperial officer.” Mando explains. “What station?” Cara asked. “Hard to tell. No insignia anymore. We took out the safehouse when we snatched the kid. More Imps have reinforced since.” (y/n) said. “There is something more going on.” Cara said. “Maybe. We’ll find out more when we land.” Mando said just as IG-11 enters the cockpit.
“I have prepared second meal. Would you care to be served here or below?” The droid asked. “I’m not hungry.” Mando replied, flatly, while Cara and (y/n) shake their head and the droid leaves.
“Under no circumstances does that thing leave the ship.” Mando said, firmly. “You got a real thing for droids, don’t you.” Cara remarks. “I got a real thing for that droid.” Mando said. “The Ugnaught said he rewired it.” Cara said. “That droid was designed to kill things. I don’t care how much wiring he replaced, it goes against its nature.” Mando said and Cara frowns a bit at him. "Well, shouldn’t be a long job anyway. You take out the head Imp, the rest will run like rats.“ Cara said and she leaves the cockpit.
(Y/n) looks down then turns to Mando. "What if that droid has changed?” She asked and Mando sighs. “Don’t you start.” He said. “It could be possible…” (y/n) brings up. “A droid is a droid. As I just said, it goes against its nature.” He said then he turns to her. “You know as well as I do that droids are killers.” Mando said and (y/n) starts to have a flashback of the day her and Mando’s parents were killed.
She sighs, turns her head away and looks out the window as they head to Nevarro.
Eventually, the Razer Crest approach Nevarro and lands as Greef and three of his associates were waiting. After landing, Mando, Cara, Kuiil and (y/n) exit the ship, mounted on blurrgs. “Sorry for the remote rendezvous, Mando. But things have gotten complicated since you were last here. It appears that introductions are in order. It seems we’ve both provided a security detail. I recommend the shock-trooper guards the ship, these lava fields are lousy with Jawas.” Greef said.
“She’s coming with us.” (Y/n) said to him, firmly. “But the town is now run by ex-Empire. If a rebel dropper is with us, they’ll all get their hackles up.” Greef tries to argue. “She’s coming.” Mando said, firmly, and Greef sighs. “Fine. Fine. At least cover your tattoo. No need to flaunt it. Now, where is the little one?” Greef asked and Mando has the floating crib move forward and opens up, revealing the Child.
“So…this little bogwing is what all the fuss was about.” Greef said as he takes the Child out of the crib. “What a precious little creature. I can see why you didn’t wanna harm a hair on its wrinkled little head.” He said then he places the Child back in the crib. “Well, I’m glad this matter will be put to rest once and for all.” Greef said and Mando recalls the crib.
“The sun drops fast on Nevarro. We can walk for a spell and camp out on the river bank, then make our way into town at first light.” Greef said and the group began to travel.
That night, they make camp and have a fire with some meat on a spit. One of the bounty hunters scoops up some lava for the fire and Kuiil feeds the Child while everyone eyes each other, suspiciously. “I guess the little bugger’s a carnivore. Never seen anything like it. They were ready to pay a king’s ransom for that thing. Must be for some kind of highfalutin menagerie.” Greef said to Mando and (y/n).
“Let’s go over the plan again.” Mando said. “The three of us enter the common house. We show the client the bait. We join him at the table, and you kill him.” Greef said. “Tell us about his reinforcements.” (Y/n) said, curiously. “They’re all ex-Empire. As soon as they lose their paycheck, psh…they’ll all scatter.” Greef said.
“And what if they don’t?” Mando asked him. “They will.” Greef assures. “That’s not good enough.” Mando said. “If, for argument’s sake, a few of them don’t realise that I’m their best path to alternative employment, and they elect to react impulsively, then these three fine Guild hunters along with that battle hardened shock-trooper will cut down anyone who bucks.” Greef explains.
“How many will there be?” (Y/n) asked. “No more than four.” Greef said as he gets up. “He travels with, at most, a fire team. Trust me, nothing could go wrong.” Greef said.
Suddenly, a winged creature swoops in and grabs the meat from Greef’s hands. Everybody starts shooting at a pack of dragons, Mando closes the crib as one of the dragons grabs a blurrg. “No! Let go of her! Drop her now!” Kuiil shouts and then it goes quiet for a moment.
Then one of the hunters was grabbed and another dragon grabs a second blurrg. “Drop her!” Kuiil shouts as everyone continues to fire at the dragons then both the dragon and blurrg were killed. Another dragon goes to attack (y/n) but Mando goes to protect her by fighting the dragon with fire, making the creature disappear.
Greef falls back on the ground, injured. “He’s hurt badly.” Kuiil said as he goes over to Greef. “I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine. I’m fine. Ow!” Greef said as he holds his arms. “Hold still.” Cara said as she looks at his arm. “They got you good.” she said.
“How bad?” (Y/n) asked her. “Bad. The poison is spreading fast.” Cara replied and Mando and (y/n) share a glance, (y/n) giving him a worried look. “So this…this is how it happens.” Greef said before he laughs, weakly. “Don’t be so dramatic.” Cara said to him then she turns to the others.
“I need another medpack. Got any other medpacks? Anyone?” she asks as the Child walks over. Everyone looks around but couldn’t find another medpack. “I’m guessing that’s a no.” Greef mutters as Cara scans his arm. “It’s still spreading. This isn’t working.” she said and the Child comes up beside Greef.
“Get this thing outta here.” Cara said, gesturing at the kid, but Kuiil raises a hand. “Wait.” he said and the Child places his hand on Greef’s wound. “He’s trying to eat me.” Greef said but his face relaxes and everyone watches as the wound closes. The Child sits back, tired, and (y/n) picks him up and everyone continues to be in shock and awe about what just happened.
The next day, the group keeps on walking when Cara turns to Mando and (y/n). “You think they’re having second thoughts?” she asked them. “Could be. I need your eyes.” Mando said. “I’m watching.” Cara said and the group halts a short distance from the town.
“I guess this is it.” Greef said as the bounty hunters close in behind Mando, Cara and (y/n), blasters drawn. Suddenly, Greef spins, drawing two blasters, and shoots both hunters then raises his blasters in capitulation. Mando, Cara and (y/n) keep their blasters trained on him though.
“There’s something you should know. The plan was to kill you and take the kid. But after what happened last night I couldn’t go through with it. Go on, you can gun me down here and now, and it wouldn’t violate the Code. But if you do, this child will never be safe.” Greef admits. “We’ll take our chances.” Cara said.
“The Imperial client is obsessed with obtaining this asset. You tried to run, but where did it get you?” Greef asked Mando and (y/n). “This is ridiculous.” Cara sneers. “Perhaps you should let him speak.” Kuiil said to the two hunters.
“Listen. We need the client to be eliminated. Let me take the Child to him, and then you three–” Greef started to say but Mando and (y/n) say, in unison. “No.”
“Let’s just kill him and get outta here.” Cara said but (y/n) looks over at Mando, who turns to her. They stare at each other for a moment before Mando nods and they lower their blasters. “He’s right.” Mando said and Cara turns to him.
“What are you doing?” She asked them. “As long as the Imp lives he’ll send hunters after the Child.” (y/n) explains. “It’s a trap.” Cara said, slightly shaking her head. “Bring us.” Mando said as he and (y/n) step froward.
“Bring both of you?” Greef asked, confused. “Tell him you captured us. Get us close to him, and we’ll kill him.” Mando explains. “That’s a good idea. Gimme your blasters.” Greef said and they hand him their blasters.
“This is insane!” Cara exclaimed. “It’s the only way.” (y/n) said. “Well, I’m coming with you.” Cara said. “No, no, no. That would make them suspicious.” said Greef. “I don’t care. I’m coming.” Cara said. “Tell'em she caught us.” Mando said. “Fine. Then she can bring the Child.” Greef said.
“No. The kid goes back in the ship.” Mando said. “But without the Child none of this works.” Greef said. “I have a plan. Kuiil, ride back to the Razor Crest with the Child and seal yourself in. When you’re inside, engage ground security protocols, and nothing on this planet will breach those doors.” Mando said and Kuiil walks up to him and holds up a comlink. “Here’s a comlink. I will keep the Child safe.” he said then he turns to Cara.
“Don’t forget to cover your stripes.” He tells her and she nods. “Let’s go.” (y/n) said and Mando gives Greef a couple of handcuffs and Greef places each one on Mando and (y/n). Cara covers her tattoo and Kuiil takes the Child then they leave in opposite directions.
Later, Mando, Greef, (y/n) and Cara arrive at the gate of the city where Stormtroopers stand guard. “Chain code.” the Stormtrooper said to Greef. “I have a gift for the boss.” Greef tells him. “Chain code!” The Stormtrooper said, firmly, and Greef produces his ID card, which the trooper scans.
“I give you 20 credits for the helmet.” the Stormtrooper said. “Not a chance. That’s going on my wall.” Greef said and (y/n) turns to him. “On your wall…?” she asked him, softly. “Go with it.” Greef whispered and the Stormtrooper turns to them. “Go ahead.” he said and they move into town, where there were alot of Stormtroopers.
“You said four. There are more than four troopers.” Cara said as she looks around. “Four guarding the client. Many more here in town. Things got really heated once Mando and Manda crashed the safehouse.” Greef said. “Slip them their blaster.” Cara said but Greef shakes his head. “Not yet.” he says and then they enter the common house.
“Here we are.” Greef said as they enter the house. “You see…four.” Greef said as he gestures at the four guards then they approach the client. “Look what I brought you. As promised.” Greef said and the client comes up to them and starts to caress Mando’s beskar armor.
“What exquisit craftmanship. It is amazing how beautiful beskar can be when forged by its ancestral artisans.” He said then he goes and looks (y/n) over before he turns to Greef. “Can I offer you a libation to celebrate the closing of our shared narrative?” He asked. “I would be obliged.” Greef said. “Please sit.” the Client said and Greef shoves Mando and (y/n) into the booth as more Stormtroopers enter.
“It is a shame that your people suffered so. Just as in this situation, it was all avoidable. Why did Mandalore resist our expansion? The Empire improves every system it touches. Judge by any metric. Safety. Prosperity. Trade. Opportunity. Peace. Compare Imperial rule to what is happening now. Look outside. Is the world more peaceful since the revolution? I see nothing but death and chaos.” The Client said then he turns to Greef.
“I would like to see the baby.” he said. “Uh…it is asleep.” Greef said. “We all will be quiet. Open the pram.” The Client said but then a Stormtrooper comes over and whispers something to his ear. “Don’t think me to be rude. I must take this call.” the Client said as he stands up and he walks away while Mando and (y/n) loosen their cuffs under the table.
“Give us the blasters.” Mando whispers to Greef and he passes the blasters to them. “You get one shot.” Greef whispers. “This is bad. You said four.” Cara said, nervously. “Well…there are more. What can I tell you?” Greef said as the Client goes into the portable hologram and bring up a hologram of a man
“Yes, Moff Gideon.” He asked. “Have they brought the Child?” Moff asked. “Yes, they have. Currently it is sleeping.” the client said. “You may wanna check again.” Moff said then he makes a gesture and suddenly the client goes down, fatally hit as blaster shots are fired through the window, killing everything in their path.
Once the shooting stops, Cara, Mando and (y/n) move out of cover to both sides of the window. They see an Imperial firing squad outside with another transport full of Stormtroopers incoming. “Four Stormtroopers?” Cara grumbles towards Greef as more stormtroopers flood in from the adjacent streets, surrounding the common house.
“This is bad.” (y/n) mutters as Mando turns to the comms. “Kuiil, are you back to the ship yet? Are you there? Do you copy?” Mando asked. “Yes!” Kuiil said as he continues to ride on the blurrg, getting closer to the Razer Crest.
“Are you back to the ship yet?” Mando asked him. “Not yet.” Kuiil said. “Get back to the ship and bail! Get the kid out of here. We’re pinned down!” Mando said and Kuiil pushes the blurrg harder but two Stormtrooper, who were listening in their conversation, began to chase after Kuiil.
Then a TIE fighter arrives and lands and a man, Moff Gideon, exits the ship and walks towards the front of the common house then stands. “You have something I want.” Moff said, loudly.
“Who is this guy?” Cara asked but everyone shakes their head. “You may think you have some idea of what you are in possession of. But you do not.” Moff continues as Mando turns to the comms.
“Kuiil, are you back to the ship yet? They’re on to us. Kuiil, come in!” Mando said, a bit panicked, but Kuiil doesn’t respond back as he continues to get closer to the ship but the Stormtroopers close in.
“In a few moments, it will be mine.” Moff said. “Kuiil, do you copy?! Kuiil…” Mando said, quickly. “It means more to me than you will ever know.” Moff said as (y/n) gives a worried and scared look towards Mando as he continues to call Kuiil.
“Kuiil…Are you there?! Come in, Kuiil! Kuiil, come in Kuiil! Are you there?! Do you copy?! Kuiil! Kuill!!” Mando said but it was too late as Kuiil, who almost made it, was shot in the back by the Stormtroopers. The Child was dropped on the ground and the second Stormtrooper comes up and grabs the Child and they make their way back to the town, leaving Kuiil’s body behind.
The Razor Crest enters a space station hangar bay. Once it lands, the ramp opens and Mando and (y/n) walk out and make their way through the hangar. Everyone turns and stares at the two just as a man calls out to them.
’Mando.“ The voice calls out and the two turn to find an older bearded man. "Is that you under that bucket?” he asked and Mando takes the hand the bearded man offers in greeting. “Ran.” Mando greets. “Didn’t really know if I’d ever see you in these part again. Good to see you.” Ran said then he looks at (y/n). “And I guess you are Manda?” He asked. “Yes, I am.” She replied and he offers his hand to her and she shakes it.
Once that was done, he turns to Mando. “You know, to be honest, I was a little surprised when you reached out to me. You know, cuz I…I hear things. Like, maybe things between you two and the Guild aren’t working out.” Ran said. “We’ll be fine.” Mando said. "Hmm okay. Well, you know the policy. No questions. And you, you’re welcome back here anytime.“ Ran said and the three of them walk across the catwalk in the hangar.
"So what’s the job?” (y/n) asked Ran. “Yeah, one of our associates ran afoul of some competitors and got himself caught. So I’m putting together a crew to spring him. It’s a six person job, I got four. All I need is the ride, and you brought it.” Ran explains. “The ship wasn’t part of the deal.” Mando said. “Well, the Crest is the only reason I let you back in here.” Ran said and Mando slowly turns to him.
“What’s the look? Is that gratitude?” Ran asked then he lets out laugh. "Uh-huh, I think it is.“ Ran said then he walks away, laughing. Mando stands for a moment and (y/n) looks over at him then reaches out to take his hand in hers. He looks at her and she gives him a sympathetic look and he squeezes her hand then they follow Ran into a different area as they, reluctantly, remove their hands out of each other’s grasp.
"Hey, Mayfeld.” Ran calls out and a bald man turns around to him. “Yeah.” he said. “This is Mando. The guy I was telling you about. And this is his partner, Manda.” Ran introduced. “Mando and I used to do jobs way back when.”
“This is the guy?” Mayfeld asked, pointing at Mando. “Yeah, we were all young, trying to make a name for ourselves. Yeah, but running with a Mandalorian, that was…that brought us some reputation.” Ran explained. “Oh ya? What did he get out of it?” Mayfeld asked. “I asked him that one time.” Ran said then he turns to Mando. “You remember what you said, Mando?” he asked but Mando doesn’t respond.
Ran smiles then turns back to Mayfeld. “Target practice.” Ran laughs. “Target practice. Man, we did some crazy stuff, didn’t we?”
“That was a long time ago.” Mando said, flatly. “Well…Well I don’t go out anymore. You understand? So uh…Mayfeld, he’s gonna run point on this job. If he says it, it’s like it’s coming from me. You and your partner good with that?” Ran asked. “You tell us.” (y/n) said, in a low tone, as she folds her arms across her chest which made Ran laugh once again.
“Well, I see why you keep her around, Mando. Bit of a spark in her.” Ran said as Mayfeld turns and walks away. “Anyway, Mayfeld, he’s, he’s one of the best trigger men I’ve ever seen. Former Imperial sharpshooter.” Ran said. “That’s not saying much.” Mando said, snidely. "I wasn’t a Stormtrooper, wiseass!“ Mayfeld spat. "Don’t take long, does it?” Ran asked before he laughs again.
“Razor Crest? I can’t believe that thing can fly. Looks like a Canto Bight slot machine.” Mayfeld complains as they walk back over to the ship, where there was a group of people now standing nearby.
“Alright, the good looking fella there with the horns, that’s Burg.” Mayfeld introduced as he points at this large creature with red skin and large black horns. Burg drops a huge crate that he was carrying as Mayfeld points at him. “This may surprise you, but he’s our muscle.” he said. “Really? We had no idea.” (Y/n) said, sarcastically, and Mayfeld looks over at her. “Oh, so you’re a wiseass too!” He said and (y/n) smirks at him just as Burg comes to inspect the two.
“So this is a Mandalorian. I thought they’d be bigger.” He said and he looks over at (y/n) then starts to laugh at her. “Droid’s name is Zero.” Mayfeld said as a Q9-0 droid walks up to them.
“I thought you said you had four.” Mando said to Ran after he looks over the crew. “He does.” a female voice said and he and (y/n) turn to see a purple-blue skinned female Twi'lek walking up to them, playing with a knife.
“Hello, Mando.” She greets. “Xi'an.” Mando said, plainly. “Tell me why I shouldn’t cut you down where you stand?” Xi'an asked then she jumps into an attack, the knife ending up at his throat, but he doesn’t flinch. “Nice to see you too.” Mando said and Xi'an laughs.
“I missed you.” She said then she clicks her knife against the beskar armor. “This is shiny. You wear it well.” She said as she looks up at him. “Do we need to leave the room or something?” Mayfeld asked, sarcastically, while (y/n) rolls her eyes. “Well, Xi'an’s been a little heartbroken since Mando left our group.” Ran explained.
“Aawww…you gonna be okay, sweetheart?” Mayfeld asked her, mockingly. “I’m all business now.” she replied then points her knife at Mando. "Learned from the best.“ She said then she looks (y/n). "Oh! Who’s this?” Xi'an asked as she walks closer to (y/n). Then she raises her knife and placed the tip under the former Mandalorian’s chin then looks her over.
(Y/n) doesn’t move or flinch as Xi'an looks at her. The Twi'lek cackles then moves the knife away from (y/n)’s chin and looks over at Mando. “Is she the reason you left us? Did she replace me?” Xi'an asked with a pout. Mando doesn’t respond as he clenched his fist when Xi'an placed that knife to (y/n)’s chin.
Meanwhile, (y/n) narrows her eyes at the Twi'lek then looks over at Mando, confused a bit at what Xi'an was implying. “All right, break it up till you get on the ship. Right now, we don’t have much time.” Ran said to them and Xi'an turns back to Mando and winks at him as she and the others walk towards the Razer Crest. Burg steps in front of Mando and (y/n), looking them up and down. “Hnn….Tiny.” he growls before he walks away and laughs.
“Charming.” (Y/n) remarks to Mando before they make their way to the Razer Crest.
“So, package is being moved on a fortified transport ship.” Mayfeld explains as he brings up a hologram. “Now, we got a limited window to board, find our friend, get'im outta there, before they make their jump.” He said but (y/n) points at the hologram of the ship. “That’s a New Republic prison ship. Your man wasn’t taken by a rival syndicate, he was arrested.” she said.
“So what?” Mayfeld asked. “A job is a job.” Ran said. ‘That’s a max security transport, and we're not looking for that kind of heat.“ Mando said as he gestures between him and (y/n). "Well, neither are we. So just don’t mess up.” Ran said. “The good news for you is the ship is manned by droids.” Xi'an said then she turns to Mando. “Still hate the machines, Mando?” she asked him just as Zero comes down the ramp.
“Despite recent modifications the ship is still quite a mess. The power lines are leaking. The navigation is intermittent. And the hyperdrive is only operating at 67.3% efficiency. We have much better ships. Why are we using this one?” Zero asked. “'Cause the Razor Crest is off the old Imperial and the New Republic grid. It’s a ghost.” Ran replied. “Yeah. And we need a ship that can get close enough to jam New Republic code. So, when we drop out of hyperspace here, if we immediately bank into this kinda attitude, we should be right in their blind spot, which should give us just enough time for your ship to scramble our signal.” said Mayfeld.
“It’s not possible. Even for the Crest.” Mando said. “That’s why he’s flying.” Ran said as he points at Zero and Mayfeld laughs. “Mando, I know you’re a pretty good pilot, but we need you on the trigger, not on the wheel.” Ran said. “Don’t worry, Mandalorian, my response time is quicker than organics, and I’m smarter too.” Zero said and Mando turns to the droid. “Alright, ya, that’s good.” Ran said and Zero goes back into the ship and Ran turns to Mando.
“Forgive the programming. He’s a little rough around the edges. But he is the best.” he said. “How can you trust it?” Mando asked him. “You know me, man, I don’t trust anybody.” Ran said and he watches Mando and (y/n) walking up the ramp. “Just like the good old days, Mando, huh?” Ran asked. Mando doesn’t reply as he closes the ramp and the Razer Crest takes off.
Later inside the Razer Crest, Xi'an was balancing a knife point on her fingertip while Burg was pacing. “Will you sit. Down.” Xi'an tells him, exasperated. Burg hits something and Xi'an hisses at him, which makes Burg laugh.
Up at the cockpit, Zero was at the wheel while Mando lingered in the background. “Calculations complete. Jumping to hyperspace…now. Feel free to join the others. I will handle it from here.” Zero tells him and Mando leaves the cockpit.
Burg opens the weapons vault and laughs in glee at the sight. But (y/n) closes the vault on Burg. Mad, Burg reaches for the release of the safe room, which (y/n) stops with a heavy hand. Burg then starts to grab at (y/n) but Mando comes in and grabs Burg’s hand and shoves it away. Then he goes to stand in front of (y/n), protectively, and Burg glares at Mando.
“Hey, hey, hey. Okay. Okay. Okay, I get it. I’m a little particular about my personal space too. So let’s just do this job. We get in, we get out, and you don’t have to see our faces anymore.” Mayfeld said and Burg scoffs. “Someone tell me why we even a Mandalorian. Or this little womp rat.” Burg growls as he gestures at Mando and (y/n).
“Well, apparently Mandalorians are the greatest warriors in the galaxy. So they say.” Mayfeld said. “Then why are they all dead?” Burg asked and everyone laughs except for Mando and (y/n).
“Well, you flew with him, Xi'an. Is he as good as they say?” Mayfeld asked Xi'an. “Ask him about the job on Alzoc III.” she replied and everyone turns to Mando, even (y/n) who had heard some whispers about Alzoc III. “That was you?” She asked her friend and Mando turns to her.
“I did what I had to.” He replied and Xi'an giggles a bit. “Oh, but you liked it. See, I know who you really are.” Xi'an said, smirking at him then gave a gloating sort’ve smile at (y/n).
“He never takes off the helmet?” Mayfeld asked and Xi'an shakes her head with a chuckle. “This is the way.” Xi'an said, mockingly. “Hmm…I wonder what you look like under there.” Mayfeld said as he looks at Mando. “Maybe he’s a Gungan. Is that why…yousa don’t wanna show your face?” Mayfeld asked, making Burg and Xi'an laugh.
“You ever seen his face?” Mayfeld asked Xi'an. “A lady…never tells.” she said, smiling, then Mayfeld turns to (y/n). “What about you, sweetheart? You ever seen his face?” Mayfeld asked her. (Y/n) folds her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow at him. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” She said, snarkily, and Mayfeld scoffs then turns to Mando.
“Aw, come on, Mando. We all gotta trust each other here. You gotta show us something. Come on, just lift the helmet up. Come on. Let’s all see your eyes.” Mayfeld said then he nods at Burg, who then moves in. “I’ll do–” Burg started to say until Mando grabs Burg’s hand and twists his arm on his back. Burg fights him and (y/n) jumps in to help as she kicks and punches him.
Burg grapples for something to hold on to but he hits the release button for the safe room and the hatch opens, revealing the Child. “Whoa! What is that?” Mayfeld asked as everyone looks at the Child. "Wait a minute…“ Mayfeld said then he turns to Mando and (y/n) and gestures between them. ”…did you two make that? Huh?“ He asked but the two hunters don’t reply.
"What is it? Like…a pet or something?” Mayfeld asks. “Yeah. Something like that.” Mando replied. “Didn’t take you for the type. Maybe that code of yours has made you soft. Or this girl is the one who made you soft.” Xi'an said to him as she points at (y/n) with her knife.
“Me, I was never really into pets. Yeah, didn’t have the temperament. Patience, you know. I mean, I tried but…never worked out. What I’m thinking…maybe…” Mayfeld said then he picks up the Child, which made (y/n)’s heart beat faster but she tries her best to hid the fear.
“I’ll try again with this little fella. Huh?” Mayfeld said and he noticed (y/n)’s eyes were wide and he smirks a bit. So he pretends to drop the Child, making Mando and (y/n) flinch in response. Xi'an and Mayfeld laugh at them.
“Dropping out of hyperspace…now.” Zero informs and the ship starts to shake, making everyone fight for balance. “Commencing final approach…now. Cloaking signal…now.” Zero said and the ship rolls and everybody is thrown around the cabin. Mayfeld drops the Child and Mando dives after him while (y/n) falls on her back.
“Engaging coupling…now.” Zero said as the Razer Crest docks to the transport. Mando gets up and places the Child back into the safe room then he turns and helps (y/n) up to her feet. “Coupling confirmed. We are down. And relax. Commence extraction…now.” Zero informed.
“That useless droid didn’t even us a proper countdown.” Xi'an growls as Burg tosses some crates around. “Zee…you sure they can’t see us?” Mayfeld asked Zero as the make it to the hatch. The Razor Crest is scrambling our signature, and I’m inside the prison system. It’s impressive that this gunship has survived the Empire without being impounded.“ Zero replied. "Alright, we got a job to do, Mando, you’re up.” Mayfeld said. Then they watch Mando hacking the opening mechanism of the prison ship’s hatch.
“It’s me?” Mayfeld asked the others. “Always you.” Burg said and Mayfeld drops down into the halls of the prison ship, evading some droids. Next is Xi'an. “Zero. Get us to the control room.” Mayfeld said as Burg drops down.
In the cockpit, Zero searches the prison system. “Sub-level three. Disabling on-board surveillance.” Zero said as (y/n) looks over at the closed safe room. The two hunters share a look before Mando gestures for her to go ahead. She drops down then steps aside for Mando as he drops down too.
“All right, we’re on the clock. Second we engage those droids they’re gonna be all over us.” Mayfeld said to the group. “We know the drill.” (y/n) tells Mayfeld. “Bio trackers activated. I’ve got eyes.” Zero informs them. “All right, let’s go.” Mayfeld said and they move through the corridors, looking into the prison cells.
“I don’t like this.” Mando said. “You always were paranoid.” Xi'an remarks and (y/n) rolls her eyes. “Is that true, Mando? Are you always paranoid?” Mayfeld asked, mockingly. “It’s more precautions than paranoid.” (Y/n) said and just then Mayfeld gets startled by a prisoner, who slammed himself against his cell door. This made Xi'an and Burg laugh.
“Approaching control room. Make a left at the next juncture.” Zero informs the crew and they do as he said when a MSE-6 series repair droid rounds the corner. This put everyone on edge, well except for Burg. “What? It’s just a little mousey.” Burg tells them then he draws his blaster behind his back and approaches the droid.
“Come here, little mousey.” he said. “Burg…” Mayfeld whispered to him. “Mousey, come here. Come here.” Burg said as he kneels down to encourage the little droid over. “Burg!” Mayfeld yells and the droid starts to flee. Burg pulls out his blaster and shoots the droid.
“No! Burg! What’re you doing?” Mayfled exclaimed, angrily. “What?!” Burg asked when security droids round the corner. “Intruder alert. Open fire.” one of them said and they start to fire at the crew as they duck in cover and started to fire back.
“We’re too exposed here!” Xi'an shouts. “They get a signal out it’s not gonna matter!” Mayfeld said as he and the others fire at the droids. “Mando, let’s go! You’re supposed to be some special–” Mayfeld said as he turns behind him to see that Mando and (y/n) were gone. “I knew it! I knew it!” he shouts but then he looks over to the droids and sees Mando and (y/n) behind the droids.
The hunters run at the droids and Mando drops down, slides across the floor and sliced at a Droid’s leg while (y/n) kicks the other droid back. The droid stumbles back then she shoots it in the chest as Mando shoots the droid he attacked first.
The third droid comes up, grabs (y/n) and slams her up against a cell door. It goes to punch her but she ducks as it hits the door and Mando uses his grappling hook on a fourth droid and yanks it forward, making it hit a fifth droid that was standing in front of it.
The rest of the crew watch in shock as (y/n) rips a piece out of the droid holding her and used it to hit the droid across the face. The droid was stunned for a moment but that was enough for (y/n) to kick the droid back and shoot it in the chest while Mando knocked the head of one of the droids off and shot the other one in the head.
Two more droids come in and started to fire at them and Mando uses his flame thrower wristlet while (y/n) shot at the other droid. The two hunters take a breath as the others stare at them in shock then Mayfeld walks towards them. “Make sure you clean up your mess.” he said, sarcastically, as he and Xi'an walk past them, Burg shoulder past Mando as they carry on.
“It seems your presence has been detected. Redirecting security alert away from your position.” Zero informed Mayfeld as they make it to a door. “Zee, open the door!” Mayfeld shouts. “But I’m detecting an organic signature.” Zero tells him and (y/n)’s furrows her eyebrow. Organic signature? she thought as Mayfeld said. “Ya okay all right. Just open the door!”
The door opens to the control room and one human guard inside. “Stop! Just…stop…right there! You put down the blasters right now.” the guard yells as he brandishes his blaster at them.
“Nice shoes.” Mayfeld said.
“Put down your blasters.” The guard orders.
“Matches his belt.” Mayfeld said, making Burg laugh.
“There were only supposed to be droids on this ship.” Mando said. “Hang on, hang on. See here uh…cell two-two-one. All right, now for our well dressed friend…” Mayfeld tries to explain but the guard pulls out a tracking beacon. “Whoa whoa whoa whoa hey hey easy easy, egghead. Put that down. Put that down. Come on.” Mayfeld said, quickly, to the guard.
“Easy.” (Y/n) said to the guard, calmly. “Put it down. NOW!” Mayfeld said and he draws his weapon on the guard. “Easy! Nobody has to get hurt here, just calm down.” Mando tells him.
“What is that thing?” Burg asked as he nods at the beacon. “It’s a tracking beacon.” (y/n) replied. “He presses that thing and we’re all done. A New Republic attack team will hone in on that signal and blow us all to hell. Put it down!” Mayfeld yells. “Are you serious?” Xi'an asked. “Yes, I’m serious.” said Mayfeld.
“You didn’t think we needed to know that tiny little detail?” Xi'an asked, annoyed. “I didn’t think we’d get to this point!” Mayfeld shouts. “Yet here we are.” Xi'an grumbles. “Are you questioning my managerial style, Xi'an?!” Mayfeld asked her, angrily. "No, sir.“ She replied, saluting in a mocking manner.
Mando then addresses the frightened guard. "Hey, listen to me.” he said and the guard, quickly, turns to him. “Hey hey hey, listen to me, okay. Look.” Mando said and he holsters his blaster as does (y/n). Then Mando turns to Mayfeld. “Hey, put it down.” He tells him
“Are you crazy?” Mayfeld asked. “Put it down.” Mando ordered then he turns back to the guard. “What’s your name?” He asked the guard. “It…’s…Davan.” the guard replied. “Davan. We’re not here for you. We’re here for a prisoner. If you let us go about our job you can walk away with your life.” Mando said and Mayfeld gives him a look of disbelief. “No he won’t.” he said and he targets Davan again.
(y/n) draws her blaster on Mayfeld and Mayfeld trains his second blaster on her, which made Mando train his blaster on Mayfeld. “You realize what you’re gonna bring down on us.” Mando tells him. “You think I care about that?” Mayfeld asked.
“We’re not killing anybody, you understand?” (Y/n) said, firmly. “You two better get those blasters out of my face.” Mayfeld said. “Can’t do that.” Mando said, firmly. “Get those blasters outta my face, you two!” Mayfeld yells as his third blaster on a droid arm engages to target Mando and (y/n) as Burg draws his weapon on Mando. Mando aims his vambrace weapon at Burg. “Don’t.” Mando growls.
Suddenly, Davan is cut down by Xi'an’s throwing knife. “Would the three of you just shut up.” she said, exasperated. “Crazy Twi’. I had it under control.” Mayfeld said to her as everyone lowers their weapons. “Yeah…Looked like it.” Xi'ansaid, sarcastically, then they noticed the beacon was blinking and beeping. “Was that thing blinking before? Was it?” Mayfeld asked, worried.
“Zero to Mayfeld. Zero to Mayfeld.” Zero calls out. “What?” Mayfeld asked through their communicators. “I detected a New Republic distress signal homing in on your location. You have approximately 20 minutes." Zero informs and Mayfeld sighs, heavily. "We only need five.” Xi'an said, shrugging. “Let’s go, let’s go, move, move, move, move!” Mayfeld shouts and they leave the control room.
In the corridors, Burg grabs and smashes a security droid then throws it at another one, taking both down. At cell 221, Mayfeld plugs into the door mechanism. “Zee, open it up.” Mayfeld orders the droid. “You have 15 minutes remaining.” Zero informs. “Open it up!” Mayfeld yells.
The cell door opens and reveals a male Twi'lek. “Qin…” Mando mutters in realization while (y/n) looks over at him, confused. “Funny. The man who left me behind is now my savior.” Qin said in a low voice as he walks out. “Mando.” He spat.
Suddenly, Burg punches (y/n) in the face then Mando in the gut, catching both of them off guard, and throws the two into the cell, which is locked before the two hunters could get up. Mando fires his blaster but the charge ricochets around the cell, and Mando goes to cover (y/n) so that she wouldn’t get hit.
“Brother!” Xi'an exclaims as she embraces her brother. “Sister!” Qin said as he returns the embrace. “Attack’s on the way. He’s already dead meat! Let’s go!” Mayfeld said, quickly. “Come on, it’s better this way.” Qin said and Xi'an turns to the cell. “You deserve this!” she sneers at Mando. “Let’s go!” Mayfeld shouts and they run.
In the cockpit, Zero begins to inspect the garbled hologram message from Greef Karga. “I received your transmission. Upon your return deliver the quarry directly to the client.” the message said as Zero watches this. “Interesting.” he mutters.
“Zero, we got Qin.” Mayfeld said through the comm. “I found some information on the Mandalorian and his friend from the Bounty Hunters’ Guild.” Zero said. “Yeah yeah, do whatever. Just get us off this ship.” Mayfeld said, quickly. “You have 10 minutes remaining.” Zero said and the crew ran as fast as they could.
“Some friends you got there.” (Y/n) remarks, sarcastically, as Mando looks out the little window. “Wouldn’t really call them my friends.” He said. “And look where that got us.” (Y/n) grumbles as Mando looks through the window and thinks of a plan to get out.
Seconds later, a security droid walks by and he grapples it and reels him in against the cell door. He manages to disable and uses its arm to unlock the cell.
In the cockpit of the Razer Crest, Zero sees Mando’s and (y/n)’s bio trackers moving into the control room. “Zero to Mayfeld.” Zero said as the crew ran but Mayfeld raises a hand to stop the others. “Wait wait wait wait wait.” he said as Zero said. “Zero to Mayfeld.”
“Yeah.” Mayfeld answered his call. “You have a potential problem. They have escaped.” Zero informs and Xi'an cries out in frustration. “I told you we should have ended them!” Xi'an yells. “I know, I know, I know!” Mayfeld said, exasperated. “This is your fault!” Xi'an growls and before they could continue to argue the lights go out.
Then the red emergency lights come on and the security doors around them lock down, except one. “Go go go go go go go!” Burg yells and they start running. But one of the security doors locks down and seperated the team into Qin and Mayfeld on one side and Xi'an and Burg on the other.
“Zero to Mayfeld. Mayfeld, do you copy? It seems comms are no longer functioning therefore you cannot hear me. You are on your own.” Zero said as he looks at the scrambled screen. Then he heard a noise behind him and he turns to see the Child entering the cockpit. “Curious.” Zero said
“It’s all right! You and the Devaronian, split up. Find Mando and his little friend and kill them! Then find a way back to the ship!” Qin shouts through the door then Xi'an turns to her comms. “Zero! We need a path.” she orders but was greeted with crackling noise. “ZERO!” She shouts before letting out a frustrated scream.
Back in the cockpit, Zero turns to grab his rifle but when he turns back around, the Child is gone.
“Do you have a name?” Qin asked as he and Mayfeld walk down the hallway. “Mayfeld.” he replied and Qin laughs. “Well, Mr. Mayfeld, you’re gonna get me the hell off this ship.” he said and Mayfeld turns to him.
“Hey, wait. What about your sister?” Mayfeld asked. “What about her?” Qin asked and he grabs one of Mayfeld’s blasters and leaves. “Nice family.” Mayfeld mutters as he follows Qin.
Meanwhile, Burg and Xi'an split up while Mando and (y/n) were in the control room and Mando grabs the tracking beacon. Mayfeldand Qin then come across the droids that Mando and (y/n) had destroyed earlier. “Mando always did hate droids.” Qin remarks while Mayfeld turns to his communicator. “Zee…Zee…” he calls but no answer.
“Hey, hey. Whatever Ran promised, I’ll see to it you get triple share. Just get him.” Qin tells Mayfeld. Mayfeld considers it for a moment before he speaks. “Better be good for it.” he said and the two split up.
“Where are you, little mouse?” Burg growled as he enters the control room, the security door locking behind him. Suddenly, a cable wraps around his neck and he looks up to see Mando standing above him. Burg pulls him down from his hiding place and proceeds to punch him and throw him around the room.
“Let’s see your face, Mandalorian.” Burg said and attempts to pull the helmet off but Mando throws him then he locks down the security door on Burg. Mando sighs a bit but then Burg holds up the door with his strength and he starts to laugh. But Mando pushes a button and a second security door shuts on Burg.
“Zero…where are they?” Xi'an asked, frustrated, but Zero didn’t reply as he was busy looking for the Child, who was hiding. She growls under her breath then she begins to look around but (y/n) appears behind her.
Sensing this, Xi'an turns around and throws a knife at (y/n), who ducks and successfully avoids the knives. Then Xi'an begins to cackle. “Oh, this is gonna be fun!” She cackles and she starts to run towards (y/n).
She starts to punch (y/n) but (y/n) holds up her arms, blocking her. The two started to throw punches and kicks at each other for a moment to where it was almost a draw. Then (y/n) spins around and kicks Xi'an, who stumbles back then she stands up and laughs again.
“Nice moves, you sure you’re not just some toy he can throw away?” Xi'an asked, smiling, and (y/n) glares at her. “Do you ever shut up?” She asked Xi'an, who runs at her then throws another knife at her. Surprisingly, (y/n) catches the knife by the handle and punches Xi'an across the face then places the knife to her throat.
Xi'an begins to chuckle. “Oh you are good. But…I’ll tell ya. He’ll get tired of you. And he’ll toss you aside, just like he did with me. And then you’ll be all alone.” She said then (y/n) punches her across the face, knocking her out. “Shut the hell up.” (Y/n) grumbles.
Mayfeld took out a few security droids then he walks up to a door, which opens suddenly. A maintenance droid runs past him, startling him. “What the f–” Mayfeld mutters as the lights flash. He looks around him but doesn’t see anybody but then he turns around and sees Mando behind him. “NO!” he shouts as Mando grabs him.
Meanwhile, Qin arrives at the ladder leading up to the ship until Mando shouts. “Qin!” The Twi'lek turns to see Mando and (y/n) standing at the end of the hall. “You killed the others.” Qin said to him. “They got what they deserved.” Mando said and he and (y/n) aim their blasters at Qin, who aims his blaster at them.
“You kill me, you don’t get your money. Whatever Ran promised, I make sure you get it, and more. Come on, Mando. Be reasonable, huh?” Qin said and he throws his weapon down. “You and your little friend were hired to do a job, right? So do it. Isn’t that your code? Aren’t you a man of honor?” He asked and (y/n) glances at Mando. “You’re call.” She said to him.
Back in the ship, Zero kept looking for the Child until he heard a sound of a door opening and shutting. He turns then goes to the door of the safe room and opens it, revealing the Child. The little creature raises his hand as Zero raises his rifle.
Suddenly, a blaster sounds out and Zero sparks out and falls over. The Child jumped in shock at this then looks down at his hand, thinking he caused it, but looked back up to see Mando and (y/n) standing there.
Later, the Razer Crest undocks from the prison ship and enters into hyperspacethen drops out to approachRan'sspace statio. The ship lands in the hangar and the opening ramp reveals Mando, (y/n) and Qin.
Ran smiles then he and Qin embrace. “Where are the others?” Ran asked as he looks around for the others. “No questions asked. That’s the policy, right?” Mando said. “Yeah. That is the policy.” Ran said, smirking. “We did the job.” (y/n) said and Ran looks over at her and Mando then nods.
“Yeah you did.” He said and he tosses a coin purse to her. “Just like the good old days.” Mando said. “Yeah, just like the good old days.” Ran said and the two hunters reenter the ship and the Razer Crest takes off.
Then Ran presses the comms button. “Kill them.” he orders then he and Qin laugh as a gunship rises to the flight deck. But then Qin notices a beeping sound and discovers a tracker on him. “What’s this?” Qin asked as Ran takes the tracker and looks at it, his eyes widen in realizatio. “Those bastards.” Ran growls and they look out to see three Rebel fighters drop out of hyperspace.
“Yeah I got a clear signal on the tracking beacon.” One pilot, Trapper, said to his colleagues. “Copy that.” Jib Dodger said and Ran gives the tracker back to Qin and runs off. “Are those X-wings?” Qin asked.
“Yep, that’s definitely a tracking beacon.” Trapper said. “Looks like they’re launching a gunship.” Jib said. “Copy. Going in.” said Sash and they open fire as Razer Crest flies past them then jumps into hyperspace.
“I told you that was a bad idea.” Mando said to (y/n) as she unscrews the knob from the lever. “Oh you said that? Cause I thought I said that.” She said, sarcasm dripping in her voice, as she gives the knob to the Child so he could play with it.
“You’re not gonna live this down, are you?” Mando asked her. “Nope.” She said and a smile slowly forms on her lips. She couldn’t tell but Mando was smiling too and his heart beat as she smiles. He chuckles a bit then continues to steer the ship as (y/n) plays with the kid.
Meanwhile, back on the prison ship, Xi'an, Mayfeld and Burg were all sealed up in a cell, all of them clearly angry and frustrated.
“Hand over the Child, Mando.” A hunter, Riot Mar, ordered as he chases after the Razer Crest in his own fighter. He fires at the ship, continually, until one of the blaster hits the Razer Crest’s engine. “I might let you live.” Riot said as Mando tries to steer the ship away but Riot was alittle too fast.
The other engine was hit and it bursts into flames and starts to go out. “Din.” (Y/n) said, worriedly. “Hold on.” he said then he rolls the ship but Riot was still on their tail. "Come on!“ Mando mutters. "I can bring you in warm…or I can bring you in cold.” Riot said.
At that moment, Mando hits the brakes, hard, and the fighter overshoots, ending up in the Razer Crest’s crosshairs. “That’s my line.” Mando growls then he shoots the fighter down.
“Losing fuel.” (Y/n) informs him as she looks over the damage of the ship. Mando tries some switches as the ship loses power then he turns on the emergency power. Mando powers the ship back up and the engines come on again.
“This is Mos Eisley Tower. We are tracking you. Head for bay three-five. Over.” an operator said through the speakers. “Copy that. Locked in for three-five.” Mando said and he takes the ship towards Tatooine then settles in the bay of Mos Eisley Tower.
Meanwhile, (y/n) made her way into the lower section of the ship, rocking the Child to sleep. The little one’s eyes kept opening and closing slowly as he looks up at her. That is until she started to hum a lullaby her mother used to sing to her when she was small.
The Child begins to yawn and he closes his eyes as she continued to hum the lullaby. Finally, he falls asleep and (y/n)’s lips twitched into a smirk as she looks at the now sleeping child in her arms. Then she starts thinking about how her parents felt when they used to hold her with warmth and love in their arms and eyes.
She frowns a bit as the happy memories she had filled her mind. She sighs then shakes her head, pushing them away, before she goes into a room and places him inside of it.
She smiles, fondly, at the little one then turns around to see Mando standing a few feet behind her. “What were you humming?” Mando asked her, curiously. “Oh, just an old lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was a kid.” (Y/n) said. “Thought it would help him sleep.” She said as she nods towards the Child.
Under his helmet, Mando smiles at this before he nods at her. “Well, you ready?” He asked her and she nods. The two start to walk out of the ship when three DUM-series pit droids start to approach. Mando pulls out his blaster and fires at them and they pop down with a screech.
“Hey! HEY!!!” A woman, with frizzy hair, yells as she runs out of her office. “You damage one of my droids, you pay for it.” She said. “Just keep them away from my ship.” Mando said as he and (y/n) walk out of the ship. “Yeah? You think that’s a good idea, do ya?” she asked and Mando just looks at her while (y/n) shrugs.
“Let’s look at your ship.” The woman, Peli, said then she knocks on the hull and hears things rattle and klonk inside. “Oof…Look at that. Oh, you got a lot of carbon scoring building up top. Ya…If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were in a shootout. Special tool for that one. Oh ya, I’m gonna have to rotate that…You got a fuel leak?! Look at that, this is a mess! How did you even land? That’s gonna set you back.” She complained as she looks over the Razer Crest.
“We’ve got 500 Imperial Credits each between us.” (Y/n) said to her. “That’s all you got?” Peli asked, shocked, and the two hunters nod. "Well…“ Peli said then she turns to the pit droids. ”…what do you guys think? That should at least cover the hangar.“ She said. "We’ll get you your money.” Mando tells her. “Hmm…I’ve heard that before.” Peli said, not believing him.
“Just remember–”
“Ya. No droids. I heard ya. You don’t have to say it twice.” Peli said, interrupting Mando. The two hunters walk away and she watches them leave. “Jeez. Womp rats.” She mutters.
The two hunters leave the hangar and walk through the sandy streets of Mos Eisley. (Y/n) looks over and sees some stormtrooper helmets on pikes. Friendly place. She thought as they continue on.
Meanwhile, Peli was playing sabacc with the pit droids. “I’m in.” she said as she sets the credits down. “And I’m gonna raise you three bolts and a motivator.” she said but then they hear sounds coming from the ship. They all turn, alarmed. “Shhh! Quick, grab my blaster rifle.” Peli tells one of the droids.
She approaches the ship just as the droid comes back with a blaster and she takes it. “I’d stay in that ship if I were you!” she yells at the shop and she aims it at the ramp. There the Child emerges and walks down the ramp, looking very sad. Confused, Peli lowers her blaster then hands it back to the droid and approaches the Child.
“Now now. Well…” she said and she picks up the Child. “Let Peli take a good look at you. All right. Here you go.” She said as she looks over the Child. “Did those bounty hunters leave you all alone in that big nasty ship?” She asked the Child and the droid squawks at her.
“Oh, how do I know what it is? Gimme a second.” she said to the droid, annoyed, then she looks back at the kid and smiles. “All right. Would you like some food? Are you hungry?” She asked the Child before she turns to the droids. "Fetch us something to eat! Quick!“ She ordered and the droid squawks at her again. "I don’t know…something with bones in it.” She said and the droid runs off as the Child makes some sad noises.
“Shh… Now here’s the plan: I am going to look after you until the Mandalorian and his friend get back. And then I’m gonna charge them extra for watching you. You see how that works? Ya, bright eyes? We’re a team.” she said as she rocks the Child.
Back in the town, Mando and (y/n) enter a cantina and they walk up to a droid bartender. “Hey, droid. We're hunters. We're looking for some work.” Mando said. “Unfortunately, the Bounty Guild no longer operates from Tatooine.” the droid informed. “We're not looking for Guild work.” (y/n) said. “I am afraid that does not improve your situation. At least by my calculation.” said the Droid.
“Think again, tin can.” A male voice calls out and the two hunters turn to see a man lounging in a booth with his feet propped up on the table. “If you’re looking for work, have a seat, my friends. Name’s Toro. Toro Calican.” The man said and the two hunters hesitate. “Come on, relax.” Toro said and he takes his feet off the table.
The two hunters share a look before they walk over and sit down across from Toro. Toro then places a bounty puck on the table and a hologram of a woman pops up. “Picked up this bounty puck before I left the Mid-Rim. Fennec Shand, an assassin. Heard she’s been on the run ever since the New Republic put all her employers in lockdown.” Toro explains.
“I know the name.” Mando said as (y/n) nods as she too had heard the name Fennec Shand before. “Ya well, I followed this tracking fob here. Now the positional data suggests she’d headed out beyond the Dune Sea. Should be an easy job.” Toro said. “Well…good luck with that.” Mando said as he starts to stand up.
“Wait, wait, wait, hey, I thought you needed work.” Toro said as (y/n) follows Mando then she turns to Toro. “How long you been with the Guild?” she asked him. “Long enough.” he snapped. “Clearly not.” she scoffs, disbelief. “Fennec Shand is an elite mercenary. She made her name killing for all the top crime syndicates, including the Hutts. If you go after her, you won’t make it past sunrise.” (Y/n) said and her and the Mandalorian leave.
Quickly, Toro goes after them, losing his confident facade. “This is my first job. You can keep the money, all of it. I just need this job to get into the Guild. I can’t do it alone.” Toro said and Mando stops and considers the offer as (y/n) stops and stands next to him, waiting.
“Meet us at hangar three-five in half an hour. Bring two speeder bikes, and give me the tracking fob.” Mando said but Toro stomps on the tracking fob instead of giving it to Mando. “The hell?” (Y/n) said, confused. “Don’t worry. Got it all memorized.” Toro said as he points at his temple.
“Half an hour.” Mando said, firmly, and he nods at (y/n) and the two start to walk away. “Looks like you two are stuck with me now, partners.” Toro calls out after them.
Mando and (y/n) make it back to the hangar and enter the ship. But both of them stop when they see the safe room hatch open and the Child gone. Both of them felt their heart race in their chests and they run back out of the ship.
“HEY!” Mando shouts, angrily, which startles Peli awake as she was asleep in her office, holding the Child. “I’m awake! I’m awake!” Peli said as Mando and (y/n) walk up to the pit droids. “Where is he?” Mando asked the pit droid, who folds up in fear instead of answering.
“Quiet! Oh…” Peli said as the Child starts to cry. “Shh it’s okay.” She said to the Child as she rocks him then walks up to the hunters. “You woke it up. Do you have any idea how long it took me to get it to sleep?” She asked the hunters, angrily.
“Give him to me.” (Y/n) said as she steps forward and holds her hands out to her. “Not so fast!” she said as she steps back. “You can’t just leave a child all alone like that. You know…you two have got an awful lot to learn about raising a young one.” Peli said as the Child, now quiet, looks up at her.
“Anyway, I started the repair on the fuel leak. There you go. I had a couple setbacks I wanna talk to you about. You know I didn’t use any droids as requested, so it took me a lot longer than I expected. But I figured you two were good for the money since you have an extra mouth to feed.” Peli said. “Thank you.” Mando said and Peli looks taken aback by this as Mando and (y/n) leave the hangar.
“Oh I guess I was right. You two got a job, didn’t you. You know it’s costing me a lot of money to keep these droids even powered up.” Peli complains as they come up to Toro, who has two speeder bikes.
“Hey, Mando. Whaddya think? Not too shabby, huh?” He asked and the hunters inspect the bike. “Whaddya expect? This ain’t Corellia.” Toro scoffs then he looks at Peli. “Ma'am.” he said and Mando gets on the bike and (y/n) sits in the seat behind him. Then the two bikes speed off and race over the sand and dunes of Tatooine.
Sometime later, Mando signs for Toro to stop. “What’s going on?” Toro asked and Mando points ahead. “Look. Up ahead.” Mando said and Toro gets off his bike and uses his binoculars to look out. There he sees two banthas with their riders beside them.
“Tusken Raiders. I heard the locals talking about this filth.” Toro said, disgusted. “Tuskens think they are the locals. Everyone else is just trespassing.” Mando tells him. “Well, whatever they call themselves, they best keep their distance.” Toro said. “Yeah? Why don’t you tell them yourself?” (y/n) asked him and Toro turns around and sees two Tusken Raiders standing behind him.
He reaches for his blaster but Mando and (y/n) intercepts. “Relax.” Mando said and he uses sign language to communicate with the Tuskens. “What is he doing?” Toro asked (y/n). “Negotiating.” (Y/n) replied as Mando continues to sign language with the Tuskens before he turns to Toro and (y/n).
“What’s going on?” Toro asked Mando. “We need passage across their land.” Mando replied then he signs more with the Tuskens and turns back to Toro. "Let me see the binocs.“ He said. "Why?” Toro asked but Mando doesn’t reply as he keeps his hand outstretched to him.
Toro hands the binocs over to him, who in turn hands it over to the Tuskens. “Hey! What…?” Toro said, confused, as Mando and (y/n) remount their bike. “Those were brand new.” Toro yells. “Yeah. They were.” Mando said and they leave, Toro eventually follows them.
Suddenly, Mando stops again and he and (y/n) get off his bike. “Get down.” he orders as he and (y/n) take cover behind a ridge. “What? Oh…” Toro said then he gets off his bike as well and follows the two. “All right. Tell us what you see.” Mando said and Toro looks over the ridge.
“Dewback. Looks like the rider is still attached. Is that her? Is that the target?” Toro asked. “Don’t know.” (Y/n) said before Mando turns to them. “I’ll go. You two cover me. Stay down.” Mando said as he draws his blaster. (Y/n) nods as Mando rushes forward to the beast and approaches it more carefully.
He turns the body over, which was dragged by the beast, and sees that it was a masked man. “Is it her? Is she dead?” Toro asked. “It’s another bounty hunter.” Mando replied as he looks over the body. “Hey I hope you’re not planning on keeping all that stuff for yourself. Can I at least have that blaster?” Toro asked and (y/n) raises an eyebrow at him while Mando finds a beeping tracking fob on the body.
Suddenly, he jumps up and (y/n) knew something was wrong. “Get down!” he shouts and at that moment a shot rings out and his him on the right pauldron as he turns to run. He goes down and the dewback runs off.
“Mando?!” Toro calls out while (y/n) gasped and holds back from saying his real name in front if Toro. Mando gets up and reaches the ridge just as another shot rings out and hits him, which throws him over the top of the ridge.
“What happened?” Toro asked him. “Sniper bolt. Only an MK-modified rifle could make that shot.” Mando replied and (y/n) gives him a concerned look. “Are you all right?” She asked him. “Yeah. Hit me in the beskar. And at that range, beskar held up.” he replied.
“Wait, I don’t wear any beskar.” Toro said and the two hunters turn to him. “Nope.” they said and Toro sighs and rolls his eyes. “So what do we do?” he asked. “You see where that shot came from?” Mando asked him. “Yeah. Came from that ridge.” Toro said as he points towards the ridge some miles ahead of them.
“Okay. We’re gonna wait until dark.” Mando said. “What if she escapes?” Toro asked him. “She’s got the high ground. She’ll wait for us to make the first move.” (y/n) said to him. “I’m gonna rest. You take the first watch. Stay low.” Mando instructs Toro then Mando takes (y/n) to the side and said. “I want you to watch him.” (Y/n) nods at him and he goes to sit down next to the bike.
That night, Toro looks out the dark skyline. “All right, suns are down…” he said and he looks back at Mando and (y/n), who was working on her blaster. “…time to ride, you two.” He said then approaches Mando, who was settled against one of the bikes and not moving.
“Come on. Wake up.” Toro tells Mando but he doesn’t move or say anything. “Look at you. Alseep on the job, old man.” Toro grumbles and (y/n) glares up at him as he turns to look at her.
“Why do you hang around him? You don’t seem the type to he’s want to keep around.” Toro said and she raises an eyebrow at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked him. “Well, don’t Mandalorians stick with…other Mandalorians?” He asked, shrugging. “Normally. But…I’m the exception.” She replied.
“Why?” Toro asked and she frowns a bit. “I…I used to be a Mandalorian. Years ago.” She replied and Toro’s eyes widen a bit. “Used to be?” He asked and she nods. “Yeah. I was exiled.” She replied.
“For what?” He asked. “Showing my face. My helmet was forcibly taken off during a mission. The creed states that we should never reveal ourselves. Accident or not, you still broke the creed, I was exiled from the clan after that incident.” She explained.
“Well at least you don’t have to hide that beautiful face anymore.” Toro compliments and (y/n) rolls her eyes at him. “Yeah, whatever.” She said, nonchalantly. Now it was Toro’s turn to roll his eyes then he looks over at Mando, who still hadn’t moved but underneath his helmet he was giving an amused smirk towards (y/n).
Toro looks over at Mando then he smirks and starts to point his gun at Mando, who doesn’t move. He chuckles and continues to keep pointing the blaster at Mando, making a fool out of himself, and (y/n) smirks. “You done?” Mando asked Toro, obviously unimpressed. “Yep. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I was just, uh…ya know…just uh…waking you up. Come on!” Toro said as he puts his gun away.
“Get on your bike. Ride as fast as you can. Towards those rocks.” Mando tells him. “That’s your plan? She’ll snipe us right off the bikes.” Toro said and Mando tosses a device towards him.
“It’s a flash charge. We alternate shots. It’ll blind any scope temporarily. Combine that with our speed and we got a chance.” Mando said. “A chance?” Toro said, confused. “Hey, you wanted this. Get ready.” (y/n) said and she sits behind Mando once he gets on his bike. Toro gets on his and they speed across the valley.
The sniper prepares her shot, getting them into her sights until she is blinded by the first flash from Mando. She takes off her helmet and takes a shot but it misses them.
“Now!” Mando shouts and Toro shoots the flash charge just as Fennec shoots but she misses again. Toro’s next flash charge misfires and runs across the sand, giving Fennec a chance at a good shot and she shoots out the bike from under Mando and (y/n).
(Y/n) uses a flash charge to blind her again so that Toro can finish getting across. Fennec aims at Mando and hits him square in the breastplate, knocking him back and (y/n) who was behind him.
She takes aim again, aiming for the exposed underside of Mando’s helmet, but then a noise alerts her. “Not so fast, Fennec.” Toro said, aiming his blaster at her, and she pulls out a hidden knife from her rifle and tosses it at Toro, knocking the blaster out his hand.
They fight, she with her hands and he with a blaster. Down below, Mando slowly gets up then turns to (y/n), who groans in pain. “You okay?” He asked her. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.” She groans as she sits up and places her hand on her forehead.
Mando stands up then holds his hand out to her. She smiles up at him then accepts his hand and he helps her up to her feet. Fennec and Toro continued to fight and it seemed that Fennec was winning until Mando and (y/n) show up.
“Nice distraction.” (Y/n) said and Fennec let’s Toro go and he gets up. “Ow. Yeah. Good work, partner.” Toro groans and Mando hands (y/n) some cuffs. “Cuff her." he said and she goes over to Fennec and starts to cuff her while Mando turns to Toro. "Why don’t you go and find your blaster.” Mando tells him and Toro nods.
“A Mandalorian. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen one of your kind. Ever been to Nevarro? I hear things didn’t go so well there but…it looks like you got off easy.” Fennec sneered at Mando and (y/n) glares at her. “You don’t have to worry about getting to Nevarro or anywhere else once we turn you in. You know I really should thank you. You’re my ticket into the Guild.” Toro said once he found his blaster and holsters it. “You’re welcome.” Fennec said.
They make their way down to where the single speeder bike is parked. “Uh oh…it looks like two of us has to walk.” Fennec said then Mando pushes her down to sit. “Or we could drag you.” Mando said and he, Toro and (y/n) walk away a short distance.
“All right, so…what is the plan?” Toro asked the hunters. “I need you to go and find that dewback we saw.” Mando said. “And leave you and your girlfriend here? With my bounty and my ride? Yeah…I don’t think so, Mando.” Toro said and (y/n) glares at him as this guy was really annoying her while Mando scans around with his HUD, detecting a heat reading a couple ridges over.
“Okay. I’ll do it. Watch her. And don’t let her get near the bike. She’s no good to us dead.” Mando said and (y/n) turns to him. “You want me to come with you? I can probably get you to the dewback faster.” She said as she gestures to her jetpack. Mando looks over then nods at her.
The two walk a few feet away before (y/n) holds her hand out to him. He takes her hand and she turns her jetpack on and flies away.
Toro and Fennec sit and wait for the two hunters to come back and neither spoke until the sun started to rise. “Uh…It’s been a while. Oh look, the suns are coming up.” Fennec said. “Quiet.” Toro orders. “Look, there’s still time to make my rendezvous in Mos Espa. Take me to it, and I can pay you double the price on my head.” Fennec said. “I don’t care about the money.” Toro said.
“Oh. So the Mandalorian and his partner keep all the money for themselves.” Fennec said, intrigued. “Only because I let them.” Toro said and Fennec laughs. “Doesn’t seem that way. I mean, it seems like Mando’s calling all the shots.” she said.
“Shows what you know. I hired Mando and his partner. This is my job. Bringing you in will make me a full member of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild.” Toro said. “You already something that the Guild values far more than me. You just don’t see it.” Fennec said.
“What?” Toro asked, confused. “The Mandalorian. His armor alone’s worth more than my bounty.” Fennec said. “I already told you I don’t care about the money.” said Toro. “Then think what it would do for your reputation. A Mandalorian and a female bounty hunter shot up the Guild on Nevarro. Took some high value target and went rogue.” Fennec said and Toro’s eyes widen at this. “That Mandalorian? And that woman?” He said, shocked.
“Like I said, you don’t see many. You bring the Guild those traitors and they’ll welcome you with open arms. Your name will be legendary.” Fennec said. “How can we be sure they're the ones?” Toro asked. “Word is they still have the target with them. Some say it’s a child. Look. If you’re afraid to take them on, fear not. I can help you with that. Take some advice, kid. You wanna be a bounty hunter? Make the best deal for yourself and survive.” Fennec said while Toro thinks about the offer and information.
He holsters his blaster and walks over to Fennec, who gets up and holds up her cuffed hands. Suddenly, he draws his blaster and shoots her in the stomach, making her drop to the ground. “That’s good advice.” He said then he crouches down. "But if I took those binders off you, I’d be a dead man. And if the Mandalorian and his little girlfriend are worth more than you are, well…Who wouldn’t wanna be a legend? Thanks for the tip.“ He said, smirking, then he mounts the bike and speeds off.
Sometime later, Mando and (y/n) return on the dewback, only to find that Fennec was left for dead. "Dank farrik!” (Y/n) growls as Mando sighs in frustration before making their way back to Mos Eisley.
They arrive at Mos Eisley at night and dismount the dewback. Mando ties up the beast at the hangar when (y/n) spotted the speeder bike. “Din.” She whispers and he looks over as she points at the bike. He draws his blaster just as she does and they enter the hangar. A pit droid runs past them into the office where all three droids fold up in fear.
“Took you two long enough.” Toro’s voice said and they look over to see him appearing on the Razer Crest’s ramp, with the Child in his arm and Peli at gunpoint. This made (y/n) grip her blaster a little harder. “Looks like I’m calling the shots now, huh, partners? Drop your blasters and raise ‘em.” Toro said and Mando and (y/n) do as they’re told. Then Toro shoves the barrel of his blaster in Peli’s back.
“Cuff 'em.” He said and he raises the blaster to point at Mando and (y/n). “You and your girlfriend are Guild traitors, Mando.” Toro said as Peli gets behind Mando and moves to cuff him. But she notices that he’s got a grenade in his hand.
“And I’m willing to bet that this here is the target you two helped escape.” Toro said as he nods at the Child in his arms. “You’re smarter than you look.” Peli whispers to Mando as she pretends to cuff him. “Fennec was right. Bringing you two in won’t just make me a member of the Guild, it’ll make me legendary.” Toro said.
As he is about to shoot him, Mando sets off the flash grenade, blinding Toro and makes him miss his shot. Mando and (y/n) disappear while Toro keeps shooting at the spot they were residing in a moment ago.
Then (y/n) and Mando shoot Toro from the side, making him go down. Peli comes out of hiding and the three of them approach Toro’s body. “Stay back.” Mando orders Peli. “We gotta get it.” Peli said as (y/n) turns the body over but the Child is gone. “Where is he?” (Y/n) asked, worried, and they look around until Peli spots the Child between some crates.
“There you are. Are you hiding from us?” She asked as she picks the Child up. “Look at you. It’s alright. I know that was really loud for your big old ears, wasn’t it.” She said as Mando takes the coin purse off of Toro’s body. “It’s okay. Shh shh shh.” Peli said as she rocks the Child before she hands him to (y/n).
“Be careful with him.” she said to (y/n) as Mando walks up next to her. “So I…take it you guys didn’t get paid.” Peli said, hands on her hips, until Mando pulls out the purse and pours the credits into her hands.
“That cover us?” He asked as Peli’s eyes widen. “Yeah…yeah this is gonna cover you.” she said, incredulous, and Mando and (y/n) start up the ramp to the ship.
“All right, pit droids! Let’s drag this outta here!” Peli said, nodding at Toro’s body. The droids talk at her and she sighs. “I don’t know. Drag it to Beggar’s Canyon.” She said. The droids go and drag Toro’s body out of the hangar as the Razor Crest’s ramp closes and the ship takes off.
The Razer Crest flies through space, Mando sitting in the driver’s seat and (y/n) in the passenger seat, when the Child starts to push buttons. “Stop touching things.” Mando said to him, firmly. (Y/n) looks down at the little one and shakes her head at him. The Child looks at the two, innocently, and provocatively moves to push another button, which causes the ship to jerk and shake.
(Y/n) grabs the kid and pushes the buttons and the ship goes back to normal. She places the Child on her lap as Mando shakes his head then goes to look back at the dashboard.
“Let’s see…” he said and he pulls up a hologram of a planet on the dashboard. “Sorgan. Looks like there is no star port, no industrial centers, no population density. A real backwater skug hole.” Mando said then he turns to (y/n) and the Child. “Which means it’s perfect for us.” He said then he looks at the Child.
“Ready to lay low and stretch your legs for a couple of months, you little womp rat?” he asked and the Child just looks up at him with his big eyes and tilts his head a bit. “You think we’ll be safe here?” (Y/n) asked, nodding towards the Sorgan hologram. “Nobody’s gonna find us here.” Mando assures and he steers the ship towards the planet.
Finally, Mando lands the Razer Crest in a wooded area then he powers it down. Then he turns to the Child and (y/n). “Now, I’m gonna go out there and I’m gonna look around. It shouldn’t take too long. I want you to stay here with him.” Mando said to her and she nods. “I’ll find us some lodging, then I’ll come back for you.” Mando said then he begins to walk off.
(Y/n) stands up and places the Child on the chair then moves over to the driver’s seat. “You stay right here. You stay. Don’t move. You understand?” She tells the Child, firmly. The Child looks up, blinks and tilts his head at her. “Great.” She said and she turned her head away for one second.
She looks back over to the seat, only to see that the Child was gone. “What the hell?” She said and she gets up and runs out of the cockpit.
Mando goes over to the back door and opens the ramp. Once it was opened, he looked down to see the Child standing right next to him. “Haar'chak.” (y/n) growls as she comes up to Mando, who sighs. “I’m sorry. I just turned my head away for one second and he was gone.” (Y/n) said and Mando looks down for a moment then sighs again.
“Oh, what the hell…Come on.” He said and the two hunters leave the ship, the Child following them through the woods.
Eventually, they enter a common house where people were looking and pointing at them as the Child looks around. One woman, who looked like a warrior type, seemed particularly interested in their arrival. Then a tooka-cat lets out a little roar, which startled the Child.
(Y/n) looks down at him as he looks up at her with a startled and scared look. “Don’t worry. You’re alright.” She said as they go sit at a table.
“Welcome travellers. Can I interest you in anything?” the proprietor asked after she comes up to their table. “Bone broth, for the little one.” Mando said. “Oh, well, you’re in luck. I just took down a grinjer, so there’s plenty. Can I interest you and the lady in a porringer of broth as well?” The proprietor asked. The two hunters shake their head as Mando said. “Just the one.”
“Very well–” the proprietor said but then (y/n) speaks up. “That one over there, when did she arrive?” she asked as she nods towards the warrior woman. The proprietor looks over before she speaks. “Uh…I’ve seen her here for the last week or so.” she replied.
“What’s her business here?” Mando asked her. “Business? Oh well…there’s not much business in Sorgan so I can’t say…” the proprietor said before Mando tosses some coin on the table. She looks down at it and starts to take the coin. “She doesn’t strike me as a log runner…well…thank you, sir. I will get that broth to you as soon as possible, and I will throw in a flagon of spotchka, just for good measure. I’ll be right back with that.” She said and she leaves just as Mando and (y/n) noticed that the warrior woman was gone.
Mando gets up and moves to leave. “Stay with the kid.” He tells (y/n) and leaves. He exists the common house and starts to look around with his HUD, which showed him recent footprints leading between the huts but suddenly ends.
The warrior woman jumps him and the two fight hard and heavy as they punch, kick and throw each other. Then (y/n) runs up and jumps on the warrior woman’s back, wrapping her arms around the woman’s neck. The woman grabbed her arms and ran back a bit and slammed (y/n) up against the wall.
Mando grabbed the warrior woman and they began to fight then (y/n) joins in the fight. Finally, the fight ends with the three pointing a blaster, Mando and (y/n) pointing their blaster at her and the woman aiming her blaster at them, but then they hear a slurping sound. The three adults turn their heads and see the Child watching them, sipping his broth.
Mando and (y/n) look at the warrior woman, who looks at them. “You want some soup?” Mando asked the warrior.
Later, Mando, the Child, (y/n) and the woman, Cara Dune as she introduced herself, all sit at a table. “Saw most of my action mopping up after Endor, mostly ex-Imperial warlords. They wanted it fast and quiet. They’d send us in on the drop ships. No support, just us. Then when the Imps were gone, the politics started. We were peacekeepers, protecting delegates, suppressing riots. Not what I signed up for.” Cara tells them.
“How’d you end up here?” (Y/n) asked, curiously. Let’s just call it an early retirement.“ Cara said before she sips her soup. "Look, I knew you were Guild. I figured you two had a fob on me. That’s why I came at you two so hard.” Cara said. “Yeah, that’s what I figured.” Mando said and Cara smirks.
“Well, this has been a real treat.” She said as she gets up. “But unless you wanna go another round, one of us is gonna have to move on, and I was here first.” She said then she finishes her soup, sets the cup down and walks away.
“Well, looks like this planet’s taken.” (Y/n) said as she turns to Mando and the Child. “Seems like it.” Mando sighs.
That night, Mando and (y/n) were doing some repairs on the Razer Crest when two men, riding on a cargo sled, approach them. “Excuse me.” one of them, Stoke, said and the two hunters look over at them. “There something we can help you with?” Mando asked, dismissively, as he and (y/n) keep working.
“Uh…yeah… Raiders.” the second man, Caben, said. “We have money.” Stoke added. “So you think we're some kind of mercenary?” Mando asked them. “You two are a Mandalorian, right?” Stoke said then Caben added, quickly, as he gestures to their armor. “Or at least wearing Mandalorian armor…That is Mandalorian armor, right?"
”It is.“ Mando replied. "I’m a former Mandalorian.” (Y/n) said then Caben turns his friend with a smile. "See?! I told him. Sir and ma'am, I’ve read a lot about your people…er…tri– tribe… If half of what I read is true–“ Caben said then Stoke shouts. "We have money."
Mando and (y/n) turns to them. "How much?” (y/n) asked. “It’s everything we have, ma'am. Our whole harvest was stolen.” Caben said. “Krill…We’re…krill farmers.” Stoke informed. “We brew spotchka. Our whole village chipped in.” said Caben as Stoke holds up a coin purse.
“It’s not enough.” Mando said as (y/n) looks between the two men with sympathy. Mando starts to walk away and the men take a few steps closer. “Are you sure? You don’t even know what the job is.” Caben said as (y/n) follows Mando. “I know it’s not enough. Good luck.” he said. “This is everything we have. We’ll give you more after the next harvest.” Stoke said and (y/n) turns to Mando.
“What if I go and check it out?” She asked and Mando turns to her. “No. I’m not letting you risk it on your own. That money is not enough. Trust me.” Mando said to her, firmly. She huffs at this as Mando opens the hatch, making the two men stumble back. Then they start to move away, disappointed, as Mando and (y/n) walk up the ramp.
“Come on. Let’s head back.” Caben said to his friend. “Took us the whole day to get here. Now we have to ride back with no protection to the middle of nowhere.” Stoke said then Mando and (y/n) halt and turn.
“Where do you live?” Mando asked and the men turn back around. “At a farm.” Stoke said, dejectedly. “Weren’t you listening? We’re farmers.” He said and (y/n) takes a step forward. “In the middle of nowhere.” She said, questioning. “Yes.” Stoke replied, confused
“You have lodging?” Mando asked. “Yeah. Absolutely.” Caben said, hopeful. “Good. Come up and help.” Mando said and the men follow the two hunters into the ship and together, they load cargo onto the sled. “I’m gonna need one more thing. Give me those credits.” Mando said to the two men.
Later, Cara was sitting by a campfire when a coin purse drops beside her. She draws her gun, looking up, only to see Mando and (y/n) standing there. “Ready for round two?” Mando asked and she looks at the coin purse then smiles.
Moments later, Mando, Cara, (y/n), the Child and the two farmers were on the cargo sled, riding through the woods. “So we’re basically running off a band of raiders for lunch money?” Cara asked. “They’re quartering us in the middle of nowhere. Last I checked that’s a pretty square deal for somebody in your position. Worst case scenario, you tune up your blaster. Best case, we’re a deterrent. I can’t imagine there’s anything living in these trees that an ex-shock trooper couldn’t handle.” Mando tells her then he leans back, as does the Child and (y/n), watching the stars through the treetops overhead.
The next morning, Cara, Mando, (y/n) and the Child were all asleep until the sled comes to a stop. They wake up and look over to see a farming village, children ran towards them. “They’re here! Come on!” one of the kids shout and they come up to the sled and see the Child.
“Well, looks like they are happy to see us.” (Y/n) pointed put and she heard Mando let out a soft laugh as Cara smiles and said. “Looks like.”
The village children gathered around the Child as Cara, Mando and (y/n) unload the cargo. Mando and (y/n) arrive at this hut as one woman, Omera, pulls up the blinds. She turns and looks at them, whether with hesitation or apprehension it wasn’t clear.
“Please come in.” She greets and Mando and (y/n) walk in with some cargo in hand. "I hope this is comfortable for you two. Sorry that all we have is the barn.“ She said. "This will do fine.” Mando assured her. “I stacked some blankets over here.” Omera said as she gestures towards the blankets. “Thank you. That’s…very kind.” (y/n) said when a young girl appears at the doorway.
The two hunters round on her and she starts back to hide outside the doorframe. Omera goes to pull her into sight again, holding her tight to her side. “This is my daughter Winta. We don’t get a lot of visitors around here. She’s not used to strangers.” she said then she turns to her daughter.
“This nice man and lady are going to help protect us from the bad ones.” Omera tells her and the young girl looks up at them. “Thank you.” she said in a small voice. Mando just nods, near imperceptibly, as (y/n) gives a reassuring smile. “Come on, Winta. Let’s give our guests some room.” Omera said as she takes Winta’s hand and leaves.
A couple of days later, the Child was in a crib while Mando was checking his rifle and (y/n) was checking her blaster. “Knock, knock.” a voice said and they look over to see Omera, holding a tray of food, and Winta, who was also holding a tray of food.
“Come in.” Mando said and they enter and set the trays of food down. “Can I feed him?” Winta asked as she gestures towards the Child. “Sure.” (Y/n) said as Mando turns around. Winta goes and kneels by the crib, holding up food.
“Are you hungry?” She asked the Child as she hands him the food. He takes it and eats it which made the little girl giggle. “Can I play with him?” She asked. “Sure.” Mando sighs while (y/n) chuckles to herself.
Winta takes the Child out of the crib and sets him on the floor. “Come on!” she said to the Child as they leave the barn. Mando starts to rush after them, worried. “I don’t think–” he started to say but Omera holds him back. “They’ll be fine.” she said. “I don’t–” Mando said but (y/n) speaks up. “Mando, Udesii.” she said and Mando looks over at her then backs off.
“I brought you two some food.” She said then she looks over at Mando. “I noticed you didn’t eat out there. I’ll leave it here for when I go.” She said. “That’s very thoughtful of you.” Mando said then he turns away as (y/n) looks out the window, watching the kids playing with the Child.
“Do you mind if I ask you something?” Omera asked Mando. “Go ahead.” he said. “How long has it been since you’ve taken that off?” she asked him, gesturing to his helmet. “Yesterday.” he replied. “I mean in front of someone else.” She said. Mando turns around then looks and points out the window, towards the kids.
“I wasn’t much older than they are.” He replied. “You haven’t shown your face to anyone since you were a kid?” Omera asked. “No. I was…happy that they took me in. My parents were killed, and the Mandalorians took care of me.” Mando said then Omera turns to (y/n).
“What about you? You wear similar armor as him but…you don’t have a helmet.” She said and (y/n) turns to her. “I’m a…former…Mandalorian. My helmet was removed during a fight, which is not allowed.” (Y/n) said and Omera gives her a sympathetic look. “Oh. I’m sorry.” she said. “This is the way.” Mando said and (y/n) looks over at him and nods.
“Let us know if there’s anything you need.” Omera said to them. “Thank you.” Mando said and Omera leaves. (Y/n) watches her leave before she looks over at Mando. “I think she likes you.” She said, teasingly. He turns his head and tilts it as if she had grew a second head.
She shrugs and smiles, innocently, at him then looks back out towards the window, seeing the children playing with the Child. “You know, I miss that.” She said. “What?” Mando asked her. She nods towards the kids and said. “Innocence. Being a kid.”
Mando grabs his plate and cup and sets them on the window sill, standing next to her. “Do you ever think about…you know…before that day? Like our lives beforehand?” (Y/n) asked him as her hands go up to her necklace and she starts to fiddle with the crystal. “Sometimes.” Mando replied, knowing what she was talking about.
“Why?” He asked her. “It’s been on my mind lately. Especially now with seeing these kids play.” She said, nodding out the window. Mando looks out the window at the kids then back at (y/n), who was looking down. “Sometimes, I just miss those days where I didn’t have a care in the world and not worry about getting hunted down by bounty hunters and the remnants of the Empire.” She said with a small chuckle.
“Don’t worry. We’ll be safe here.” Mando assures her before he reaches over and places a hand over hers. She looks up at him, shocked, but she starts to smile, warmly, at him. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up. I guess this place just reminds me of home.” She said then she stands up, slowly removes her hand from underneath his and goes over to grab her plate of food and drink.
“I’ll just be out here. Don’t worry, I won’t look in, Din.” She said as she walks out of the barn. Mando watches her leave then turns back to his plate and sighs. Then he takes off his helmet, sets it aside and begins to eat the food.
“About 15 or 20 of them came through here on foot.” Mando informed Cara and (y/n) as they patrolled the forest. He looks through his HUD, which revealed footprints and alot of recent damage higher up in the trees. “And something big sheared off those branches.” he said as they move on.
Then they crouch down and see a gigantic footprint. “AT-ST.” Cara said, shocked. “Imperial Walker. What’s it doing here?” (y/n) asked, confused. “I don’t know. But this is more than I signed up for.” Cara said and they share a glance.
Back at the village, Mando, Cara and (y/n) stand on the porch of the barn, addressing the villagers. “Bad news. Y'can’t live here anymore.” Mando said. “What?” Stoke said. “Why?” Caben asked then Cara leans towards Mando. “Nice bedside manner…” she whispers.
“You think you can do better?” Mando asked and (y/n) chuckles. “Can’t do much worse.” (y/n) said and Cara nods. “Agreed.” She said then she turns to the villagers. "I know this is not the news you wanted to hear but there are no other options.“ She tells them.
"You took the job!” Stoke yelled.
“Yeah!” Caben shouted.
“That was before we knew about the AT-ST.” (Y/n) informs them. “What is that?” Stoke asked. “The armored walker with two enormous guns that you knew about and didn’t tell us.” Cara yells then the villagers started to shout over each other.
“Help us!”
“Please!!”
“You’re supposed to help us!”
“But we hired you!”
“Please!”
“We have nowhere to go.” Omera said. “Sure you do. This is a big planet. I mean, I’ve seen a lot smaller.” Cara said. “My grandparents seeded these pods.” Caben exclaims. “It took generations.” Stoke said. “I understand. I do. But there are only three of us.” Cara said.
“No there’s not! There’s at least twenty here!” Stoke shouts as Caben nods in agreement. “I mean fighters. Be realistic.” Cara said. “We can learn!” said Caben. “We can!” Stoke shouts.
“Give us a chance!”
“Please!”
“I’ve seen that thing take out entire companies of soldiers in a matter of minutes.” Cara tells them. “We’re not leaving.” Omera said, firmly. “You cannot fight that thing.” Cara said then Mando looks over at her. “Unless we show them how.” Mando said and Cara and (y/n) look at him like he is insane as the villagers shouts.
“Show us!”
“Yeah, we can do this!”
“You got two problems here. You got the bandits, and you got the mech.” Mando tells the villagers after they gathered around him, Cara and (y/n). “We’ll handle the AT-ST, but you gotta protect us when they come outta the woods. And I don’t have to tell you how dangerous they are. Cara Dune here was a veteran. She was a drop soldier for the Rebellion, and she’s gonna lay out a plan for you. So listen. Carefully.” Mando said and he steps aside as Cara begins to speak.
“Now, there’s nothing on this planet that can damage the legs on this thing. So we’re gonna build a trap. We’re gonna need to dig real deep right here.” She said as she points to the edge of the outermost krill pool. “So that when it steps in, it drops. The three of us will hit their camp, provoke them. That’ll bring the fight out of the woods and down here to us.” She said.
“I’m gonna need you to cut down trees and build barricades along these edges. I need it high enough so that they can’t get over, and strong enough so that it can’t break through.” (Y/n) said to the villagers as they give worried looks.. “Okay. Who knows how to shoot?” She asked and, reluctantly, Omera raises her hand.
Later, Mando and (y/n) unpack their arsenal then them and Cara hand out the weapons. Then they split the villagers into two different groups, Cara worked with one half of the villagers and trained them on melee. Mando and (y/n) trained the other half on shooting practice.
“Fire!” (Y/n) shouts and the villagers shoot haphazardly, missing more than they’re hitting–except for Omera, who shoots true and steady. Mando nods while (y/n) gives her a look of impressed.
Later, the villagers began digging up the bank of the krill pool and some started cutting up wood, making barricades, while Mando, Cara and (y/n) discuss strategies.
“The sun is about to set and we’ll be leaving soon. When we return, we’re coming in hot.” Mando said to Omera as her, him and (y/n) walk out of the hut sometime later. “We’ll be ready.” Omera said and Cara walks up and nods at them. Then Mando and (y/n) walk away.
That night, Mando, Cara and (y/n) run though the forest until they come upon the bandit camp, where three Klatooinians were sitting by a campfire. The three of them take the Klatooinians from behind and snuck up to one of the tents. They draw their blasters and enter the tent to find no enemies, just several large vats of glowing blue liquid.
Mando sets a charge on the main tent post when Cara makes aware of incoming enemies. A few Klatooinians come in and the trio fight them by punching or kicking them. After they were taken down, a few more flooded the tent. They fight them off until more enemies come in shooting.
Mando and (y/n) soften up a wall with shots from their blasters and the three of them escape just before the charge blows the tent up. "I hope the plan worked.“ Cara said when a red light comes on. They turn and see the AT-ST rising up from the forest. "Go!” Mando shouts and they turn to run. “GO!!!” He shouts as they run and avoid being shot at by the AT-ST.
They run out of the forest and towards the defenses of the village, they slide into cover. “This is it! Once that thing steps in the pond it’s going down!” (y/n) said and Cara turns to the villagers. “Weapons ready!” she shouts and they get their weapons aimed just as they watch the AT-ST coming closer, breaking through the tree line. “Just a few more steps.” Mando whispers.
Suddenly, the AT-ST hesitates to step in the water and stops on the bank instead. “It stopped.” Cara said, confuse, just as the AT-ST stands at the outer perimeter of the village, waiting. Everyone watches it with baited breath until the AT-ST turns on a blinding light. “Get down! Get down!” Mando whispered, forcefully, as the light sweeps the defenses then opens fire on the huts.
“Hold your positions!” Cara yells at the villagers. The Klatooinians break out of the forest and flood through the AT-ST’s legs towards the village. “OPEN FIRE!!!” Cara shouts and they open fire.
“We gotta get that thing to step forward.” (Y/n) shouts as her and Mando fire at some Klatooinians. “I’m thinking…” Cara said as they continue to fight. “New plan.” She said after thinking for a few moments. “What do you have in mind?” Mando asked her. “Gimme the pulse rifle.” she said and Mando hands over his rifle.
“We’ll cover you.” (Y/n) tells her and she nods then storms out towards the AT-ST, jumping into cover in the pond before it. “Come on. You got this.” Mando mutters as Cara aims the rifle at the AT-ST.
“Come to mama.” she whispers and she shoots at it and it steps forward but stops short of the pond. Cara tries again but she needed to remain in cover. The AT-ST shoots at where it suspects Cara to hide but doesn’t step forward.
“Take the bait, you hunk of junk.” (y/n) mutters as Cara shoots into one of the cockpit windows, sending the AT-ST reeling to finally step forward into the pond where it goes down hard.
(Y/n) activates a charge and uses her jetpack to fly towards the fallen AT-ST, throwing it into the cockpit window. She flies over to Cara, grabs her hand and flies her back over to the village’s defenses just as the AT-ST blows up. The remaining Klatooinians flee and the villagers sigh with relief and celebrate their victory as (y/n) looks down at Cara as they continue to fly over to the village.
“Was that the plan?” (Y/n) asked Cara. “Something like that.” Cara laughs and (y/n) laughs with her. “Improvisation. I like it.” She said and Cara smiles just as they land on the ground.
Weeks later, the Child was chasing and catching a frog as the village children watch. Once he catches the frog, he proceeds to eat the frog which made the kids turn away in amused disgust. The Child spits out the frog and the kids laugh as the frog hops away.
Cara was sitting out front of the barn as Mando was leaning next to the door. (Y/n) was out somewhere in the village helping some of the villagers with some chores. Omera comes out and hands Cara a drink. “Thank you.” Cara said, appreciatively. Omera nods then turns to Mando.
“Can I get you something in the house?” She asked him. “Uh…thank you. Maybe later.” Mando said then Omera turns to watch the children. “He’s very happy here.” she points out as they watch the Child play with the kids. “He is.” Mando said. “Fits right in.” Omera said and she walks away.
“So, what happens if you take that thing off? They come after you and kill you?” Cara asked Mando, pointing at his helmet. “No. You just can’t ever put it back on again.” Mando replied. “Is that what happened to your friend?” Cara asked, nodding off to the side.
Mando looks over and sees (y/n) talking and laughing with some of the villagers as they continue to gather up some crops. “Yeah. Although, her helmet being removed was accidental. There was a fight with a bounty we were involved in with another Mandalorian. At one point, the bounty got on top of her and removed her helmet.” Mando said and Cara looks over at him, noting his tone of voice.
“You sound a bit upset about it.” She said and he just shrugs, not knowing what to say to that as it was true. “But why can’t you just slip off the helmet, settle down with her and raise your kid sitting here sipping spotchka?” She asked, incredulously. “You know, we raised some hell here a few weeks back. It’s too much action for a backwater town like this. Word travels fast. You might wanna cycle the charts and move on.” Mando replied.
“Wouldn’t wanna be the one who’s gotta tell him.” Cara said as she nods towards the Child. “I’m leaving him here. Travelling with me…that’s no life for a kid. I did my job, he’s safe. Better chance at a life.” Mando said. “It’s gonna break his little heart.” Cara said. “He’ll get over it. We all do.” Mando said then he sits there and thinks for a few moments before getting up and walk away.
As he walks up to (y/n), he heard one of the villagers telling a joke which made everyone laugh including (y/n). Mando felt his heart pound in his chest once he hears her laugh. He had noticed these last few weeks that she seemed happy here, almost like she belongs here. And that’s why he was gonna ask her to stay here with the Child.
He felt good of leaving the Child here but he’d feel better with her staying and watching over the kid. She is the person he could trust with his life.
“Excuse me. Can I have a word?” Mando asked as he approaches (y/n). “Of course.” she said and he leads her away from the others for privacy.
“It’s very nice here.” Mando said as they walk along the bank and look around. “Yes, it is.” (Y/n) said. “I think it’s clear he’s…he’s happy here.” Mando said and she turns to him. “And you seem happy here.” He added.
“What about you?” She asked him, curiously. “Me?” he asked, confused. “Are you happy here? Y'know…We could stay here. The community is grateful for what we did. We can pack all this away in case there’s ever trouble. You, me and the kid could have a good life. He could be a child for a while.” She said and Mando looks into her eyes from under his helmet.
“Wouldn’t that be nice?” she asked him. “It would.” Mando replied, his voice breaking. She gives a sympathetic smile to him then placed her hand on his chest. Part of her wanted to see if she could reach out to his helmet to take it off but she knew how important the Creed was to him, so she didn’t push it.
He places his left hand over her hand, that was on his chest, and ran his thumb over her fingers. “I don’t belong here. But he does. And I would feel better if you were here watching over him.” He said to her, softly, and she nods. “I understand.” She said and she looks down.
Mando felt his heart ache as she looks down in sadness. He felt like he should do something but he wasn’t for sure what. Suddenly, he raises his right hand and placed it on her cheek, making her look up at him. His heart started to thump harder in his chest as she looked at him with her (e/c) eyes.
He strokes his thumb across her cheek and he wanted to say something, something that he’s been wanting to say for awhile, but a little voice in his head was telling him no, you can’t do this…not to her. Not now.
Little did he know that (y/n) held similar feelings towards him, her heart felt like it was going all over the place when he placed his hand on her cheek. She had always held these feelings for him back before she became a Dar'manda. But once she was banished, she shoved those feelings for him away as she felt ashamed for what happened and figured he didn’t want her anyway.
Now that they were working together again, those feelings had started to resurface and reminded her why she had such a soft spot for him. And she had been trying to figure out a way to tell him but it always seemed to be bad timing by the time she wants to bring it up. Either he got busy or she was too scared to bring it up.
They stand there, staring in silence when Mando started to speak up. “(Y/n), I…” he started to say when a loud blaster noise rings out. The two jump into action at this and Mando turns to her. “Go get the kids.” he tells her. “On it.” She said and she runs off as he goes into the woods.
Once he gets there, he sees Cara standing over a body, the end of her blaster was still smoking which told him that it was her that fired the shot. With his foot, Mando turns the smoldering body over to reveal a beeping tracking fob. He kneels down and picks it up.
“Who is he tracking?” Cara asked. “The kid.” Mando replied, roughly. “They know he’s here.” Cara said. “Yes.” he said. “Then they’ll keep coming.” she said. “Yes.” he said and he destroys the fob by dropping it on the ground and stepping on it.
After telling (y/n) what happened, the two began packing up all of their stuff and extra supplies on the sled. (Y/n) sets the Child on the sled as the villagers surround it and Cara walks up to her and Mando.
“Are you sure you don’t want an escort?” She asked them. “We appreciate the offer. But we’re gonna bypass the town and head right to the Razor Crest.” Mando tells her. “Well then.” Cara said then she offers her hand. “Until our paths cross.” She said and Mando takes her hand. “Until our paths cross.” he said as they shake hands then (y/n) and Cara shake hands.
Winta runs forward and hugs the Child. “I’ll miss you so much.” she cries as Omera turns to Mando and (y/n). “Thank you.” She said, appreciatively, and the two hunters nod before they get into the sled and head out, back towards the Razer Crest.
The Razer Crest flies through space, Mando driving while (y/n) was in a different part of the ship, when a hologram message from Greef Karga pops up. “Mando! I received your transmission. Wonderful news. Upon your return, deliver the quarry directly to the client. I have no idea if he wants to eat it or hang it on his wall but he’s very antsy. Safe passage. You know where to find me.” Greef said while the Child got out of his crib and (y/n) comes back into the cockpit.
The Child then unscrews the knob of a lever and begins to chew on it. Carefully, the Mando takes the knob away from the Child. “It’s not a toy.” he tells the Child. Then (y/n) picks the Child up and places him back in the crib before taking her seat back.
Later, they landed on Nevarro and exit the Razer Crest, the crib floating between the two hunters. They walk through the town towards the building, where the Client was residing in, and Mando knocks on the door. The entry sensor appeared for a moment before the door opens and out walks two stormtroopers.
The stormtroopers lead the two hunters and the Child inside of the building. One of the Stormtroopers grabs the crib, roughly. “Easy with that.” (y/n) snapped at the trooper. “You take it easy.” the Stormtrooper retorted back at her. (Y/n) let’s out a slow sigh through her nose as she closes her eyes, trying not to punch the trooper.
Mando turns his head to her and sees her clenching her fist. He grabs her wrist, which made her look over at him. He shakes his head slightly and she nods a bit, unclenches her fist and he lets her wrist go.
They enter a room where the client gets up from behind the table with a tracking fob. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes.” he said as him and Dr. Pershing inspect the Child. “Yes…” Pershing whispers as he scans the Child. “Very healthy. Yes.” Pershing said as the Client turns to the two hunters, a bit surprised to see both of them there.
“My, my, my. It took both of you?” The client asked them but they don’t respond. “How many fobs did you give out?” (y/n) asked him, suspicious. “This asset was of extreme importance to me. I had to ensure its delivery. But to the winner…” the client said then he lifts up a camtono and places it on the table. “…go the spoils.” he finished as he opens the camtono.
Inside were two large stacks of Beskat ingots and the two hunters approach it and take one each of the ingots to inspect them. “Such a large bounty for such a small package. And there should be enough between the two of you.” The client said but then both Mando and (y/n) look up and see the floating crib following Pershing.
The Child looks at the two and (y/n) had this weird feeling that he was scared. The three share a look before the crib disappears and Mando turns to the client. “What are your plans for it?” he asked. “I was expecting her to ask that question…but you. How uncharacteristic of one of your reputation. You have taken both, commission and payment.” the client said as more stormtroopers slowly enter the room.
“Is it not the code of the guild that these events are now forgotten? That Beskar is enough to make a handsome replacement for your armor. Unfortunately, finding a Mandalorian in these trying times is more difficult than finding the steel.” The client said. You obviously haven’t looked hard enough. (y/n) thought as her and Mando place the Beskar ingots back and Mando closes the camtono.
The two hunters walk out of the building and get a few feet away before Mando turns to her. “Well…as promised.” He said as he holds up the camtono. But (y/n) placed her hand on top of his. “You keep it.” She said and Mando tilts his head in confusion. “But you helped me.” He said. “I only came in at the last minute.” She said and Mando shakes his head.
“No, that droid and I were pinned down. If you hadn’t showed up, I don’t know what would’ve happened.” He said and she smiles. “Oh, I’m sure you would’ve figured it out. You always knew how to get out of tough situations. I always admired that about you.” (Y/n) said then she sighs while he watches her. “But you keep that. I’m sure the other Mandalorians would love to have that back.” She said and Mando lowers the camtono.
She looks up at him and smirks a bit. “I’ll see you later. If you need anymore help, let me know.” She said and she starts to turn her back to him but he places his hand on her shoulder. “You know, we could work together.” He said and (y/n) turns to him and looks up at him.
“A Mandalorian and a Dar'manda working together?” She said with an eyebrow raised. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m asking as a friend. You’re the only person I trust.” He tells her then she gives him a smile. “And I trust you as well.” She said and she looks down then back at him. “I’ve got to get some supplies while I’m here…I’ll meet you at the Razer Crest.” She said. Mando nods and she smirks then walks away.
Mando walks through the town, with the camtono in hand, then enters the underground tunnels to meet with the Armorer. He places the Beskar ingots in front of her while the other Mandalorians approach from behind. “This amount can be shaped in many ways.” she said to him.
“My armor has lost its integrity. I may need to begin again.” Mando informed and she looks over his busted up armor. “Indeed. I can form a full cuirass. This would be in order for your station.” she said. “That would be a great honor.” Mando said, appreciatively. “I must warn you, it will draw many eyes.” Armorer warns just as a larger Mandalorian, Paz Vizsla, walks in and grabs one of the Beskar ingots and snorts, derisively.
“These were cast in an Imperial smelter. These are the spoils of the Great Purge. The reason we live hidden like sandrats.” Paz growls and he tosses the ingot back in the table. “Our secrecy is our survival. Our survival is our strength.” the Armorer tells him.
“Our strength was once in our numbers. Now we live in the shadows and only come above ground one at a time. Our world was shattered by the Empire with whom this coward shares tables.” Paz said as he steps forward and grabs onto Mando’s helmet, in an attempt to pull it off. But Mando fights back until they have each other and knifepoint.
“The Empire is no longer, and the Beskar has returned. When one chooses to walk the way of the Mandalore you are both hunter and prey.” The Armorer said as she stands up. “How can one be a coward if one chooses this way of life?” She asked then she looks over at Mando.
“Have you ever removed your helmet?” She asked him.
“No.” He replied.
“Has it ever been removed by others?”
“Never."
”This is the way.“ The Armorer said, satisfied with his answer. "This is the way.” the other Mandalorians said as Paz and Mando pull away their knives. “This is the way.” Paz said then he backs up as Armorer checks over Mando’s armor.
“What caused this damage?” She asked him. “A mudhon.” Mando replied. “Then you have earned the mudhorn as your signet. I shall craft it.” she said as her and Mando sit back down. “I can’t accept. It…wasn’t a noble kill. I was…helped by an enemy.” he informs and she looks up at him, confused.
“Why would an enemy help you in battle?” She asked him, curiously. “It…did not know it was my enemy.” Mando replied. “Since you forego a signet I shall use the excess to forge whistling birds.” said the Armorer. “Whistling birds will do well. Reserve some for the foundlings.” Mando said.
“As it should always be. The foundlings are the future. This is the way.” She said. “This is the way.” the other Mandalorians chanted together. “This is the way.” Mando said as the Armorer turns to forging. “Whistling birds are a powerful defense against multiple enemies. Use them sparingly for they are rare.” She tells him then she begins to forge.
As she forges, Mando begins to have flashbacks of that horrible day of when his old home was attacked. His parents running across the war zone of the village as they head towards this hiding spot just as another family come up. The two sets of parents talk amongst each before they put both kids into the storage room.
The two kids reach out for their parents but Mando’s dad shuts the door, plunging the two kids into darkness. The only light was the one shining through the crack of the door, he looks to his right and could just make out, through what little light they had, that the girl was shaking in fear. She was clenching something in her fist that was hanging around her neck.
“Look, I told you I’m not interested in your excuses.” Greef tells a bounty hunter. “You had your shot, dust breather, but you failed. No pucks for you. Now get outta here.” He yells and the bounty hunter turns away.
At that moment, Mando enters in the bar in his new full Beskar armor. Greef looks over at him and smiles as Mando walks towards him. “Ah! Mando!” Greef said before he laughs. “They all hate you, Mando. Because you’re a legend!” He said.
“How many of them had tracking fobs?” Mando asked him and Greef scoffs. “All of them. ALL of them! But not one of them closed the deal. Only you, Mando. Only you. And with it, the richest reward this parsec has ever seen.” Greef said. “I did have help but…she refused her half of the reward.” Mando said. “Ah, yes. Manda, I believe. They told me she was with you.” Greef said and Mando continues to stare at him.
“Please, sit my friend.” Greef said as he gestures to the sear across from him. Mando takes the rifle off his back and sits down. “They’re all weighing the Beskar in their minds but not me. No. I, for one, I celebrate your success. Because it is my success as well. Hell…” He said as he partially pulls two Beskar ingots out of his jacket. "…even I’m rich. Now, how can I show my gratitude to my most valuable partner?“
”I want my next job.“ replied Mando. "Next job? Take some time off. Enjoy yourself. I’ll take you to the Twi'lek healing baths.” Greef said. “I want my next job.” Mando said, firmly. “Sure. Fine. You hunters like to keep busy, right? Well, these…” he said as he places bounty pucks on the table. “…are all far away.”
“The further, the better.” Mando said. “Well, take your pick. You’ve earned it.” Greef said and Mando places on of the pucks on the table and turns on the hologram. “Ah…that’s the best of the lot. A nobleman’s son. Skipped bail. Looks like you’re headed to the ocean dunes of Karnac.” Greef said. Mando grabs the puck and gets up to leave, then halts.
“Any idea what they’re gonna do with it?” He asked Greef. “With what?” Greef asked, confused. “The kid.” Mando asked as he turns to face Greef. “I didn’t ask. It’s against the Guild Code.” Greef said. “They work for the Empire. What are they doing here?” Mando asked. “The Empire is gone, Mando. All that are left are mercenaries and warlords. But if it bothers you, just go back to the Core and report them to the New Republic.” Greef said and Mando scoffs.
“That’s a joke.” He growls. “Mando, enjoy your rewards. Buy a camtono of spice. By the time you come out of hyperdrive you will have forgotten all about it.” Greef said. Mando stares at him for a moment before he makes his way out of the cantina and find (y/n).
Meanwhile, (y/n) was at a little shop, getting some food to pack up, when the shopkeeper noticed her necklace. It was brown leather but wrapped up at the end of the necklace was a blue crystal. The shopkeeper seemed interested in it and tried to bargain with (y/n).
At first, she was confused on what the shopkeeper wanted, since it was speaking another language, until he pointed at her necklace. She looked down at it then back at the shopkeeper. “I’m sorry, no. It’s not for sale.” She said but the shopkeeper still showed interest. “No. It’s a family heirloom, I’m not selling it.” She said, firmly.
Then she walks away and through the town, towards the Razer Crest. She had just made it to the ship when she heard footsteps. She turned around and saw Mando in his full new Beskar armor and this made her smile in admiration.
“Well look at you!” She said as he walks up to her. “I barely recognize you at all, with that fine armor of yours.” She teased. Mando just turns his head to her and tilts it to the side, which made her smile. “I got us a job.” He said and she raises her arms out a bit. “Straight to business then. I like it.” She said, lowering her arms, and the two head inside of the Razer Crest.
Mando and (y/n) get into the cockpit and he begins to turn on the controls. (Y/n) looks down and noticed the lever knob on the floor just as Mando reaches to grab the lever but halts to see the knob was missing. (Y/n) frowns then reaches down to pick up the knob and holds it in her palm.
Mando looks over to see the knob in her hands and the two end up staring at it. Both of them start to remember the look of fear on the Child’s face as he was taken away. (Y/n) bites her lips as Mando slowly takes the knob out of her hand and slowly screws the knob on.
She let’s out a heavy sigh as Mando proceeds to power up the ship. He halts again as the Child runs through his mind just as (y/n) does the same. Then the two look at each other and it was like a silent conversation was happening between them. Mando powers everything down again and leaves the cockpit, (y/n) not far behind him.
The two hunters scan and check the Client’s building when Mando found the discarded crib. (Y/n), on the other hand, listened in on a conversation. “I don’t care. I order you to extract the necessary material and be done with it.” the Client said. “He has explicitly ordered us to bring it back alive.” Pershing responded.
“Finish your business quickly, as I no longer can guarantee your safety.” the Client said and Mando and (y/n) share a quick glance before they make their way to the front door.
Mando knocks on the front door, which made the sensor appear. At that moment, Mando breaks the sensor off which caused the guards to come out. “Check the perimeter.” a Stormtrooper ordered when a wall gets blown up. Mando and (y/n) make their way in and started to clear the area room by room.
Finally, they enter the room where the Child and Dr Pershing was in. “No, no, no, no, please. Please. No. No, no.” Pershing pleads as Mando shoots a IT-O Interrogation Unit and the two hunters approach Pershing.
“No, please. Please, don’t hurt him. It’s just a child. Please. No. No!” Pershing pleads but Mando grabs him and tosses him to the side. They look over the unconscious Child before Mando trained his blaster on Pershing. “Please. No. No, no!” Pershing begs.
“What did you do to it?” (Y/n) asked him but Pershing just stands and stammers until Mando walks closer to him, his blaster still trained on him. “What did you do to it?!” Mando asked, angrily. “I…I protected him! I protected him! If it wasn’t for me, he would already be dead!” Pershing shouts then he begins to whimper. “Please…please…please, please…”
But when Pershing looks up from cowering in fear, he finds that the two hunters and the Child were gone.
With the Child in (y/n)’s arms, her and Mando proceeds through the building while Stormtroopers try to run at them.
“Look, there!”
“Split up. We’ll flush them out.”
“Give it up! There’s no–” One Stormtrooper shouted but he was taken down by Mando before he could finish. Then they enter the room where they had met the client when Stormtroopers enter from the other side.
“Freeze!”
“Don’t move!”
“Hands up!”
“Drop the blaster!”
“Wait. What she's holding is very valuable.” Mando said then he nods at her and she nods back. “Here…” she said and she slowly lowers the Child as Mando lowers his blaster. “Now turn and face me!” one Stormtrooper ordered and (y/n) looks over at Mando to see he had engaged the whistling birds.
“Stand up!” The Stormtrooper shouts when the whistling birds fly out and kill all of the Stormtroopers. Mando gathers up his blaster and (y/n) picks up the Child and the two head out of the building.
They walk through the streets and made it onto the main street when they were surrounded by bounty hunters, Greef was standing among them. “Welcome back, Mando and Manda. Now put the package down.” Greef said as (y/n) holds the Child closer to her.
“Step aside. We’re going to my ship.” Mando tells him. “Hm. You put the bounty down and perhaps I’ll let you two pass.” Greef said. “The kid’s coming with us.” (y/n) said, firmly. “If you truly care about the kid, then you put it on the speeder and we’ll discuss terms.” Greef said.
“How do we know we can trust you?” Mando asked him. “Because I’m your only hope.” Greef said. Mando and (y/n) move towards the speeder, surrounded by bounty hunters with their weapons trained on them.
Suddenly, Mando starts shooting and both he and (y/n) jump on the speeder, hiding between the cargo. “Drive!” Mando ordered the driod, but it wouldn’t listen. Then Mando points his blaster at the reluctant droid. “Drive!” He ordered and the speeder starts moving down the street while a shootout was going on all around.
But the little ride didn’t last long as Greef shoots the droid pilot, which caused the speeder to stop. From their hiding spot between the cargo, Mando disintegrates a few bounty hunters as (y/n) fires with her blaster at a few while she tried to shield the Child as best as she could.
But then the hunters began to take cover and the gunfire stopped for a moment. “That’s one impressive weapon.” Greef said to Mando. “Here’s what we're gonna do: Manda and I are gonna walk to my ship with the kid and you’re gonna let it happen.” Mando shouts while Greef waves at the other hunters to surround the speeder.
“Nah…How about this: WE take the kid, and if you and your friend try to stop us we kill both of you and we strip your bodies for parts.” Greef said just as (y/n) noticed someone creeping up behind her. She turns and kicks him back and Mando turns and electrocutes him.
They do their best to fight back but they get pinned down as all the bounty hunters kept firing at them. They duck down and lay on the ground, on their front. “Don’t hit the target!” Greef yells at the hunters. Mando and (y/n) look over at the Child, who slowly opens his eyes and stares at them.
Both hunters started to think maybe they should give up when the Mandalorians appear to fight for them. Greef looks on and then flees as the bounty hunters and Mandalorians fight.
“Get outta here. We’ll hold them off.” Paz tells Mando. “You’re going to have to relocate the covert.” Mando said. “This is the way.” Paz said. “This is the way.” Mando repeats. “This is the way.” (Y/n) whispers and she gathers up the Child as Mando takes her hand and they run towards his ship.
As they make it to the ship, a figure come out of the shadows behind him. “Hold it, you two.” Greef’s voice ordered. They turn to see Greef pointing a blaster at them and, instinctively, Mando pushes (y/n) behind him. “I didn’t want it to come to this. But then both of you broke the Code.” Greef said.
Mando shoots his grabbing hook into a pipe, which sprays out fumes and masks the two hunters disappearance. Greef shoots into the mist but eventually gets thrown back by a blast into his chest. The two hunters make it to the Razer Crest and Mando, quickly, starts up the ship and takes off.
Meanwhile, Greef Karga was not dead as he stands up and pulls out the Beskar steel ingots from his jacket pocket.
As the Razer Crest flies into the sky, a Mandalorianwith a jetpack appears beside the ship saluting Mando and (y/n) before dropping away again. “I gotta get one of those…” Mando said. “They do come in handy.” (Y/n) said as she gestures to her own jetpack that was leaning against the back wall of the cockpit.
The Child comes up to the dashboard and reaches out for the knob on the lever. (Y/n) smiles at this as Mando unscrews the knob and gives it to the Child. The little one begins to play with it as the Razer Crest flies away from Nevarro and disappears into hyperspace.
“Haar'chak." (y/n) mutters as she tried to start the speeder bike but it wouldn’t start up. She sighs as Mando and the child, who was in his egg shaped floating pram, stare at her. (Y/n) shakes her head then grabs her bag and slings it across her shoulder. "Looks like we’re walking.” She said and Mando nods.
So the trio made their way across the desert landscape. At one point, they were walking through a canyon when Mando stops then holds his hand out to (y/n), signaling her to stop. She stops and the two look around themselves just as they heard what sounded like footsteps.
Mando and (y/n) both reach for their own blaster gun when a noise sounded out. They look over and see a creature jump off of a ledge and attacked them with a battle axe. The two bounty hunters dodge the guy only to see he had a tracking fob on his hip.
(Y/n) pushed the Child’s crib away, out of harm’s reach, just as the other bounty started to attack Mando with his axe. (Y/n) went to go help but the guy’s partner jumps in and attacks her.
The Child watches the four bounty hunters fight amongst each other as they trade blows to one another. One of the enemy hunters was able to slash at Mando while his partner was able to punch (y/n) in the stomach.
Mando and (y/n) get out their rifle and started to fight with those, like using a bo staff. The two end up being back to back as they fight until Mando and (y/n) lock arms, his left arm and her right arm, and (y/n) leans back, against Mando’s back, kicks the guy that was attacking her across the face.
He falls back as Mando stuns the guy in front of him with his rifle. The two unlock their arms, standing back up, when the second hunter comes back at her. Mando steps forward and started to beat the hunter up with his rifle just as the first hunter started to run.
(Y/n) raises her rifle and fires at him, disintegrating the guy. Mando knocks the other guy out cold and the two catch their breath when they see the tracking device the guy dropped when he disintegrated. “What did I tell ya.” She whispered to Mando then the two look over at the child, which (y/n) could tell that he was scared.
That evening, as the sun was setting, the two had set up a campfire and (y/n) was tending to Mando’s wound while the child was sitting his crib, staring at them. Mando started to let out small noises and gasps of pain as (y/n) worked on him. “Udesii.” She said, softly, to him as she looked over the cut on his arm.
Then both of them hear little footsteps and they turn to see that the Child had gotten out of his crib and was walking towards them. He was coming towards Mando and had his little hand reaching out for him but (y/n) picked up the Child, before he could get any closer, stood up and set him back in his little crib.
She walks back over to Mando and sits back down in front of him. Then she looks over the work she did. “Best that I can do.” She said and she starts to put away the medical kit away. “Well, as long as I don’t bleed to death. Should be good.” Mando said and (y/n) smirks a bit. “Doubting my skills?” She asked with a bit of sarcasm and he chuckles, lightly, when they heard footsteps again.
The two look over and see the Child walking towards Mando again, his hand raised, but Mando picks him up, stands up and sets the Child back in his crib then he sits back down across (y/n).
The next morning, the two hunters and the child make their way to the Razor Crest, only to find it being dismantled by Jawas. Of course. (y/n) thought as she and Mando kneel down and Mando pulls out his telescope. He watches them take pieces of his ship into their sandcrawler before he pulls out his rifle, just as (y/n) pulls her rifle out as well.
The two aim their guns towards the Jawas and Mando fires at one, disintegrating it. The other Jawas see this and began to run as (y/n) shoots at another one and Mando reloads his gun. The two hunters disintegrate a few Jawas, while the Child watches them, until all of Jawas flee inside their sandcrawler.
The two stand up and began to run after the sandcrawler until Mando kneels down, aims his rifle at the large transport and fires at it. He puts his rifle back on his back then turns to (y/n) and said. “Stay here.” Then he runs after it. “What? Wait! Din? DIN!” She shouts but he’s already a few feet ahead of her. “di'kut.” she growls as he jumps on the sandcrawler and starts to climb up.
As he climbs up, the Jawas began throwing junk at him, stopping him from getting up any higher. (Y/n) and the Child were still chasing after the Sandcrawler but they were alittle but behind. The Jawas do their best to try and knock Mando off but he grabs onto this wire that was attached to the sandcrawler and climbs up.
The Jawas would pop out from the little windows on the side and throw junk at him but Mando was able to knock them off by either punching them or yanking them out.
He finally makes it to the top but there were about twenty Jawas at the top and all of them aim their gun at him. Before he could get a shot in, the Jawas fire at once and electrocute him, making him fall off and land with a thud on the dirt.
He lays there for a few short moments before footsteps approach him. “You look kind’ve peaceful.” (Y/n)‘s voice joked as he looks over and sees her standing over him. He lets out a heavy and tired sigh before she holds out her hand to him. He takes it and she helps him up to his feet as the Child floats towards them.
Minutes later, they return to the Razor Crest and found out that, not only were parts of his ship were stripped, but his weapons were gone too. Mando goes to attempt to start the ship but it was to no avail. “You wouldn’t happen to have a ship nearby?” He asked (y/n). She shakes her head and said. “Broke down on me. Funny thing is, I just had that piece of junk repaired.” She remarks.
“Alright. Plan B.” He said and he starts to walk out of the dismantled ship. “Which is?” (Y/n) asked as she follows him.
Later the two hunters and the Child arrive at Kuiil’s place. "I thought you were dead.“ Kuiil said to Mando then he noticed (y/n). "See you made a friend.” He said. “Actually, we’re old friends that just happened to have taken the same job.” (Y/n) said as she takes the child out of his carrier and sets him down.
Kuiil watches him as he wanders around. “This is what was causing all the fuss?” Kuiil asked the two hunters. “We think it’s a child.” Mando replied as he fixes up his gauntlets, which were still acting up from being electrocuted. “It is better to deliver it alive then.” Kuiil said.
“My ship has been destroyed. We’re trapped here.” Mando said. “Stripped. Not destroyed. The Jawas steal. They don’t destroy.” Kuiil said. “Stolen or destroyed – makes no difference to me.” Mando said as they watch the child chase a frog.
“They’re protected by their crawling fortress. There is no way to recover the parts.” (Y/n) said. “You can trade.” Kuiil said. “With Jawas? Are you out of your mind?” Mando asked. “I will take you to them. I have spoken.” Kuiil said then Mando and (y/n) see the Child devouring the frog.
“Hey! Spit that out.” Mando said, firmly, but the Child continued to eat the frog and swallowed it whole. Mando, (y/n) and Kuiil stare at the child as he laughs then burps.
Mando, Kuiil, (y/n) and the Child treck through a rainy night, Kuiil on the blurrg which was pulling a sled that Mando and (y/n) were on, until they come upon the sandcrawler in daylight. Kuiil waves at the Jawas and greets them but they see Mando and (y/n), obviously upset.
“They really don’t like you two for some reason.” Kuiil said to the hunters. “Well, we did disintegrate a few of them.” (y/n) said. “Both of you need to drop your rifle.” Kuiil tells them. “I’m a Mandalorian. Weapons are part of my religion.” Mando said. “And I don’t like going anywhere unarmed.” (Y/n) informs.
“Then you’re not getting your parts back.” Kuiil tells them and they sigh at this. “Fine.” Mando sighs and the two put their rifle down. Kuiil dismounts the blurrg while Mando and (y/n) get off the sled. “And the blaster.” Kuiil tells them and the two hunters put their blasters away.
Kuiil talks to the Jawas as Mando and (y/n) sit down. “They will trade all the parts for the beskar.” Kuiil said and Mando turns to him. “I’m not gonna trade anything. These are my parts. They stole them from me.” Mando said and the Jawas speak to them in their language.
(y/n) then tries to speak to them in their language, she knew it was extremely rusty but she tried her best. “They, they…belong…to him!” She said, gesturing at Mando, and the Jawas started to laugh and then one of them started to speak. “You speak terrible Jawa.You sound like a Wookiee.” they said and they continued to laugh, which angered Mando.
“You understand this?!” Mando asked, angrily, and he blasts a stream of fire from his vambrace flamethrower at them. “No! Whoa, easy, easy.” Kuiil said after the Jawas jump back in fright at the flame. (Y/n) lowers Mando’s arm down as Kuiil talks to the Jawas. “Calm down.” She whispers to him.
“He is Mandalorian. He cannot give you his beskar armor. What else may he trade?” Kuiil asked them in their native tongue. One of them say something and points to the sled. They turn and see two Jawas inspecting the Child. “Get away from it!” Mando shouts as (y/n) gasped in surprise and the Jawas scatter.
“There must be something else.” Kuiil said to the Jawas. They turn to discuss amongst each other then they turn back around. “We will require The Egg. Bring us The Egg." One of them said and Kuiil groans and facepalms. "The Egg? What Egg?” (y/n) asked, confused, while the Jawas chanted. “The Egg! The Egg! The Egg! The Egg!”
The sandcrawler then takes Mando, (y/n), Kuiil and the Child to where the egg could be found. Mando and (y/n) get out and start to walk to where one of the Jawas was pointing towards. Meanwhile, the little egg shaped carrier floated alongside of the bounty hunters as they made their way through the valley.
Eventually, they come up to a cave and (y/n) and Mando make their way inside of the cave while the Child stayed behind. The two hunters walk into the dark cave and pull out their blaster while Mando turns on the light on his helmet.
They look around until the light shined on an eye. They started firing at the creature but it flung them out of the cave. After they were flung back a few feet away from the cave, the mudhorn emerged and started to attack.
Mando and (y/n) tried to fight the monster but it was faster and stronger than both of them. After getting flung around a few times, (y/n) slid across the muddy surface on her back and just laid there as she felt like her head was spinning.
She turned to her side just to see Mando getting on his knee and holding out a blade while the mudhorn started to charge at him. (Y/n) felt fear in her heart at this then the Child raised his little claws out.
Suddenly, the mudhorn stopped in its tracks and then started to float in the air a few feet. (Y/n) and Mando stare at this in shock and awe while (y/n) felt like she was the one floating, like this energy was surrounding her. The two hunters then turn to see the Child with his hand out and his eyes closed.
He was twitching and shaking, almost like he was the one that was holding the mudhorn in the air. Mando and (y/n) share a look and even though she couldn’t see his face, (y/n) knew that Mando was shocked. They look back at the mudhorn just as the Child dropped his arm and fell backwards in his crib.
(Y/n) felt the energy leave then felt tired as the mudhorn landed back on the ground. Immediately, Mando stabbed the creature, killing it. (Y/n) was doubled over as she placed her hands on her knees, catching her breath. “You okay?” Mando asked her as she takes a few deep breathes. She looks up at him and nods as she stands up straighter.
Both of them then started to make their way back into the cave and found the egg.
“Just a little while longer.” Kuiil said the Jawas, who were getting impatient. They started to make their way back into the sandcrawler after waiting a few more minutes. “Fine. Go without me.” Kuiil said before he sighs. He turns back to see Mando, (y/n) and the Child appearing over the edge.
“Mando! Manda!” Kuiil calls out. “We have it. We’ve got The Egg.” Mando said and they make their way to the Jawas and gave the egg to them. One of the Jawas pulls out a knife and cuts it open then sticks its hand in the egg and eats its contents. He turns to the others and makes an approving noise and the other Jawas dig in.
Mando and (y/n) shake their heads and meet up with Kuiil. “I’m surprised you waited.” Mando said to him. “I’m surprised you two took so long.” Kuiil retorted and (y/n) chuckles a bit.
Later, Kuiil was on his blurrg, which was pulling a sled that held the Razer Crest’s parts and Mando and (y/n) were riding in it as well while the Child’s crib floated next to it.
“Is it still sleeping?” Kuiil asked the hunters. Both of them turned to look and see the Child was indeed still fast asleep. “Yes.” Mando replied. “Was it injured?” Kuiil asked. “Don’t think so. Not physically” (y/n) replied. “Explain it to me again. I still don’t understand what happened.” Kuiil said as the two hunters continue to stare at the sleeping Child.
“Neither do we.” Mando said as (y/n) places her hand on the rim of the crib, still trying to process what just happened back at that cave.
The night, they pulled up to the Razor Crest. “There is no way we’re gonna get this to work without a full maintenance facility. This is gonna take days to fix.” Mando said as he gets off the sled and looks over his ship. “If you care to help it might go faster. There is much work to do.” Kuiil said and the three worked together to fix the ship while the Child slept.
The next morning, after testing out the engines on the ship, Kuiil walks out of the ship as Mando and (y/n) stand on the hatched door. “I can’t thank you enough. Please allow me to give you a portion of the reward.” Mando said to Kuiil. “I cannot accept. You two are my guest, and I am therefore in your service.” Kuiil said.
“I could use a crew member of your ability. And I can pay handsomely.” Mando offered but Kuiil shakes his head. “I am honoured. But I have worked a lifetime to finally be free of servitude.” he replied. “I understand. Then…all I can offer is my thanks.” Mando said to him as (y/n) smiles and nods. “And I offer mine. Thank you for bringing peace to my valley.” Kuiil said then he leaves then ship and mounts his blurrg.
“And good luck with the Child. May it survive and bring you a handsome reward. I have spoken.” Kuiil said and he starts to off while Mando and (y/n) walk into the ship, the hatch door closing behind them.
The two walk up to the cockpit and Mando takes the pilot seat and (y/n) takes the passenger seat. “Do you still wanna go through with this? Split the reward?” Mando asked (y/n). She thinks for a moment then nods, slightly. "I’ve gone this far with you. Might as well see this through.“ She said, shrugging.
She couldn’t see but Mando’s lips twitched into a smirk, under the helmet, before he nods then turns to the main board, started the ship up and the Razor Crest takes off, heading for Nevarro.
(Haar'chak means Damn it. Udesii means Calm down or take it easy. di'kut means fool or idiot.)
(A/N: Now I did have this story on here but I kept having comments on doing the “Read More” to shorten my post. At the time, I didn’t know how to do it and I kept asking those people how and they never would reply back. So I got annoyed and took down the chapters. But now that I know how to do that, I’m bringing this story back. So I hope you enjoy!
There might be times where I use Mando'a, or language of the Mandalorian, from time to time but I will make sure to put the translations of them at the end of the chapter.)
Snow was fallen from the cloudy sky on to the already icy and snowy planet. One large building was the only thing that stood out among the ice and snow. One lone armored figure, a Mandalorian, walks up towards the building, holding a tracking fob. The device beeped, letting him know that his bounty was here.
Inside, the cantina was bustling with people drinking and talking amongst each other, including two trawlers who were messing with a Mythrol. “Look at his glands!” One Trawler to his friend as they continue to mess with the Mythrol. “I bet we could sell them at the port!" the second Trawler pointed out. "Please! Please! I have credits! Take them!” the Mythrol pleaded to them as he shows them the credits. But the second Trawler shoves him against the table
“He’s young. The musk will be sweet." The Alpha Trawler laughs as his partner pulls the Mythrol up, making the Alpha Trawler’s drink fall over. Then the Trawler pulls out his blade. ”And now for the real prize…“ he said but before he could do anything, the doors open and the Mandalorian stands there for a moment before he enters.
The Trawlers and every other patron all turn to see the newcomer but the Trawler was not impressed. The Alpha Trawler yells at the Mandalorian as the Mandalorian walks past him, ignoring him. ”You spilled my drink…“ The Alpha Trawler said, angrily, to the Mandalorian but the gunslinger doesn’t respond to him.
"Hey, Mando!” The Trawler calls out and the Mandalorian turns his head to him then turns away as he walks up to the bar. The Alpha Trawler then walks up to him. "I said, you spilled, my drink…“ The Alpha Tralwer tells him but Mando doesn’t even look at him. Then the second Trawler shoves the Mythrol down against the table while the other patrons stare at the Mandalorian.
"He says you spilled his drink.” the Bartender said but Mando never speaks. “That’s fine! It’s on me.” The Bartender said and he goes behind the bar while the Trawler looks over the Mandalorian. “Is that real Beskar Steel?" He asked the Mandalorian just as the second Trawler comes up to the Mandalorian.
”Here.“ The Bartender said as he picks up a cup then slides it across the bar. But before the cup could get to the Alpha Trawler, Mando stops the cup, grabs it then used it to hit the Alpha Trawler in the head and the second Trawler in the face, making him fall back unconscious. The Alpha Trawler stumbles back as Mando grabs the third accomplice by the head and slams him onto the bar.
The Alpha Trawler pulls out a blade and tries to stab Mando, but he grabs his arms, punches it under his arm and twists it behind the Alpha Trawler. The third guy tries to flee but Mando shoots out a grappling hook and it wraps around the creature’s legs. Mando began pulling the grapple towards and the guy pulls out his blaster and fires at the Mandalorian, which hits his shoulder armor.
Mando fires his own blaster at the door panel; which made the door close on the guy, cutting him in half. Everyone watched in shock and horror at this but nobody dared to go near the Mandalorian
The Mythrol started to chuckle as Mando walks up to him. "Thank you. Thank you very much. You got my heartfelt gratitude.” the Mythrol said as Mando just stares at him. “You know what…here, you take my credits. Buy yourself a drink.” he tells the Mandalorian as he pushes a pile of credits to him.
But the Mandalorian places a hologram puck on the table, which shows a hologram image of the Mythrol. “Uh…Is that a bounty puck? Is that me?” The Mythrol said, nervously, but the Mandalorian doesn’t say a word. “Look…uh…there must be some mistake. I can get you more credits.” the Mythrol said, a bit panicked, until the Mandalorian finally speaks.
“I can bring you in warm…or I can bring you in cold.” The Mandalorian said as he places his hand on his holstered blaster, getting ready to fire it, if needed be. The Mythrol looks up at him and gulps, nervously.
After surrendering, the Mandalorian handcuffs the Mythrol and they began to walk out of the cantina and towards a speeder stop where a ferryman stands by. “I need passage to the yards.” Mando said and the ferryman calls a speeder which arrives with an R2 unit as the pilot.
“No droids.” Mando said, firmly. “I assure you, this speeder is brand new. It’s the latest model…” the Ferryman said, in its own language, but Mando tosses the ferryman a coin. “At your pleasure.” the ferryman said and he calls another speeder. It arrives in rough shape but with a human pilot. “Where to?” the pilot asked.
Sometime later, the speeder flies across the icy plains and the Mythrol begins to speak. “You know what he’s looking for…” the Mythrol said to the Mandalorian but he still doesn’t respond to him. So the Mythrol looks at the pilot. “You’re looking for Ravinaks, right?” He asked. “It’s clear right now. But be careful near the port. Everyone dumps their gray holds out. They think the whole entire planet is their own personal stink pit.” the pilot warned just as the speeder arrives at a large ship, the Razer Crest.
“Here you are.” the pilot said once he stops and the Mythrol looks up at the ship. “You’re kidding me, right?” he said as he looks back at the Mandalorian. “Get out.” Mando ordered and the two get out of the speeder.
“I’ll hire us a Livery Cruiser. No big deal. It won’t come out of your end. I’ll pay for it.” The Mythrol bargained to the Mandalorian, who turns his head towards him almost like he was telling him to shut up. “I’m just trying to make it pleasant.” The Mythrol said as he walks towards the Razer Crest.
“Hey, it’s time to go, so let’s settle up.” The pilot said and the Mandalorian pays the pilot. “I’d stay off the ice if I were you.” the pilot warns before he takes off. The Mandalorian and the Mythrol get ready to board the Razer Crest. “You think there’s really something to worry about?” the Mythrol asked Mando before he turns and watches the speeder, just in time to see it get eaten by a beast that busted out of the ice.
“Oh! Oh! Open the hatch! Open the hatch!” The Mythrol exclaimed in a panic as the Ravinak breaks through the ice and towards the Razer Crest. The Mandalorian grabs the Mythrol and drags him into the ship. "Dank farrik, that was close!“ The Mythrol said as they get into the cockpit. Then the Ravinak grabs the Razer Crest’s leg.
"Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Stay off the ice. That’s the understatement of the millennium.” the Mythrol said, panicked as Mando attempts to take off. But the Ravinak holds onto the ship’s leg. “It’s taking us down.” the Mythrol screamed as the Mandalorian tried to maneuver the ship but the beast wouldn’t let go. "What’re you doing? It’s got us! It’s gonna take us under!“ The Mythrol screamed and the Mandalorian leaves the cockpit.
"Where you going? You gotta do something! We gotta get out of here!” The Mythrol shouted as the Mandalorian walks up to the hatched door, pulls out his long rifle and used it to electrocute the Ravinak, which finally let’s go of the leg.
“Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. Let’s go. Yes. All right. Whew.” The Mythrol exclaimed in excitement as the Mandalorian comes back and steers the ship off of the planet.
“I like your ship. She’s a classic.” the Mythrol said, trying to make conversation after they left the ice planet. "Razor Crest, am I right? Pre-Empire?“ He asked the Mandalorian, who doesn’t respond. "I have a lot of credits, by the way. That’s why I offered to hail a Cruiser.” the Mythrol said.
No response.
“How much are they paying you?” he asked Mando.
No response.
“Is it true that you guys never take off your helmets?"
No response.
”Oh… Boy.“ The Mythrol muttered as he looks around. "I think I have to use the vacc tube. I mean I can do it here, but if you’ve never seen a Fledgling Mythrol evacuate their thorax, you’re a lucky guy, trust me.” The Mythrol said but no response from the Mandalorian so the blue skinned creature gets up.
“Clearly, there’s nowhere for me to go. So, uh…I’m gonna look for that vacc tube if it’s all the same to you?” The Mythrol said but silence. “Great.” he said and he leaves the cockpit and gets down into the belly of the ship.
“Found it! Thanks. It might take a while. I’m molting” the Mythrol calls out to the Mandalorian as he looks around. At one point, he opens the weapons hold and sees the various weapon that the Mandalorian had. He panicked and quickly closes it again.
“Oh, this feels a lot better. I haven’t evacuated since the solstice. Yeah. I was hoping to be free for…uh…Life Day. Maybe even, uh…” the Mythrol blathers on until he discovers the bounty hold with several carbon-frozen bounties. “Get home to the…family. But I guess that’s not gonna happen this year.” he said as he backs away.
“Probably not.” A voice said and the Mythrol turns to see the Mandalorian standing behind him. He grabs the Mythrol and shoves him in the on-board carbon-freezimg chamber, which adds him to the line of the carbon-frozen bounties.
After arriving in Nevarro, the Mandalorian walks into a cantina and walks up to a man, Greef Karga who is the Bounty Hunter Guild. “Ah, that was fast.” Greef said as Mando walks up to him. “Did you catch them all?” Greef asked and the Mandalorian places the tracking fobs on the table. “Good. I’ll begin the off-load.” Greef said before he turns to some of his people and gives them an order in a different language.
The Mandalorian sits across from Greef, who places credits on the table. “These are Imperial Credits.” the Mandalorian noted as he looks at them. “They still spend.” Greef assures him. “I don’t know if you heard, but the Empire is gone.” said the Mandalorian. “It’s all I’ve got.” Greef said, shrugging.
The Mandalorian grabs the tracking fobs back but Greef stops him. “Save the theatrics. Fine, I’ll…” he said and he places different credits on the table. “I can do Calamari Flan But I can only pay half.” he said. “Fine.” the Mandalorian said and he places the tracker fobs back on the table and grabs the credits.
“Hmm. I have a bail jumper, a bail jumper, another bail jumper, a wanted smuggler.” Greef said as he looks over the hologram files. “I’ll take them all.” Mando said and Greef looks up at him. “Nah, hold on. There are other members of the Guild, and this is all I have.” he said.
“Why so slow?” Mando asked him. “It’s not slow at all. Actually, very busy. They just don’t want to pay Guild rates. They don’t mind if things get sloppy.” Greef replied. “What’s your highest bounty?” Mando asked him. “Not much. Five thousand.” Greef said. “That won’t even cover fuel these days.” Mando grumbles and Greef smirks as he thinks.
Hmm. There is one job.“ He said. "Let’s see the puck.” Mando said. “No puck. Face to face. Direct commission. Deep pocket.” Greef tells him. “Underworld?” asked Mando. “All I know is no chain code.” Greef said and he pulls out a chit card. “Do you want the chit or not?” Greef asked him. Mando grabs the chit card and leaves.
He walks through the town to a building then knocks on the door of said building. A sensor eye appears and asked for identification in a foreign language. Mando shows the chit card and the sensor reads it and lets the door open.
Mando makes his way into the building and walks into a room where an older man and about four stormtroopers stood. “Greef Karga said you were coming.” the client said. “What else did he say?” Mando asked him. “He said you were the best in the parsec.” replied the client.
Suddenly, a door opens and, before the man could even enter, Mando draws his weapons as do the stormtroopers. “Freeze!” one of the Stormtroopers ordered Mando as the new guest jumps back. “No!” the new guest said while one of the Stormtrooper said, still aiming their guns at Mando. “Drop your weapons!"
"No, no, no, no. Pardon. Uh, sorry. I…didn’t…mean to alarm.” The new guy said and the client gets up and walks around the table to stand in front of Mando. “This is Doctor Pershing.” the client said as he points at the man. Please excuse his lack of decorum. His enthusiasm outweighs his discretion. Please lower your blaster.“ he said to Mando.
”Have them lower theirs first.“ Mando said, referring to the Stormtroopers. "We have you four to one.” One of the Stormtroopers said but Mando keeps his weapons up and steady. “I like those odds.” Mando said, confidently.
“He also said you were expensive. Very expensive. Please sit.” The client said as he steps closer to Mando. On a sign from the client, the stormtroopers lower their weapons as does Mando. He and the client sit as the client unpacks a cloth package, revealing a brick sized silver metal.
“Beskar?” Mando asked and the client smiles. “Go ahead. It’s real.” the client said and Mando inspects the ingot. “This is only a down payment. I have a camtono of Beskar waiting for you upon delivery of the asset.” said the Client. “Alive.” Pershing added, quickly. “Yes. Alive. Although, I acknowledge that bounty hunting is a complicated profession. This being the case, proof of termination is also acceptable for a lower fee.” the client said and Pershing looks at him.
“That is not what we agreed upon.” Pershing said. “I’m simply being pragmatic.” The client said. “Let’s see the puck.” Mando said but the client shakes his head, slightly. “I’m afraid discretion dictates a less traditional agreement. We can only offer you a tracking fob.” the client said and Pershing hands Mando a tracking fob.
“What’s the chain code?” Mando asked. “We can only provide the last four digits.” said the Client. “Their age? That’s all you can give me?” Mando asked, confused. “Yes. They’re 50 years old. We can also give you last reported positional data. Between that and the fob, a man of your skill should make short work of this.” the client said.
Mando gets up and moves to leave. “The Beskar belongs back into the hands of a Mandalorian. It is good to restore the natural order of things after a period of such disarray, don’t you agree?” the client asked as Mando stops. He looks over his shoulder before he walks out and leaves.
He walks through the town again and covertly enters an underground facility, where there were many other Mandalorians. Mando walks past many of them until he comes up to the forge room where the Armorer was standing. Mando places the credits and the beskar ingot on the table.
The Armorer picks up the ingot and inspects it. “This was gathered in the Great Purge. It is good it is back with the Tribe.” she said. “Yes.” Mando said, plainly. “A pauldron would be in order.” Armorer said then she looks over at Mando.
“Has your signet been revealed?” She asked. “Not yet.” he replies. “Soon.” the Armorer said and she prepares to forge the pauldron. “This is extremely generous. The excess will sponsor many Foundlings.” she said. “That’s good. I was once a Foundling.” Mando said. “I know.” the Armorer said and begins to forge.
While she forges the pauldron, Mando started to think back to his childhood. Probably his worst memories of his childhood. It was the day when his parents made their way through this village, he originally lived in. They were running as the village had been attacked, people were fighting and explosions were going off. It was utter chaos that day.
Then his parents found a large storage unit and they began to open it. That’s when another family came up to them, also carrying a child. His parents and these other set of parents talked among each other before they set both kids inside the large storage unit.
He remembers looking over to his right to see that the other kid was a girl around his age, who looked just as terrified as he did. The two kids share a look before they look up and out towards their parents.
Mando pulled himself out of the memories as the Armorer places the pauldronon his shoulder.
Later, the Razer Crest approaches Arvala-7 then lands on the desert island. After he lands, Mando sits back for a bit then looks at his dashboard for a moment. The memory of his childhood kept coming back to him, especially the moment with the girl.
He hadn’t seen her since that day where she got her helmet pulled off by an enemy. He’d never forget that day when this guy, they were hunting down for a bounty, got into a fight with her and he was able to get the upperhand on her. Mando tried to get to her but the guy had friends and he had to take care of them.
By the time Mando was able to make it to her, her helmet was already yanked off. He took out the guy and was able to cuff him but he would never forget the look of fear on her face when she realized her helmet was off. There was another Mandalorian with them during this hunt and he had gone and told the Armorer.
She was exiled and became, what they called, a Dar'manda, a former Mandalorian that has lost one’s identity. And even though this is the way of the Mandalorian, he felt a pang of anger and hurt that she was leaving.
The last time he talked to her was after she was exiled. She had walked out of the facility and was just a few miles outside of the town when he came up behind her. “Where will you go?” He asked her. She smirked a bit as she turns back to him. “I’m not sure. The galaxy is a pretty vast place…” she replied before she let’s out a sigh.
She could tell by his stance and body language that he didn’t like that she was exiled. She gave a sympathetic look before she walks up to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll be fine, Din.” She said, softly. She slides her hand off of his shoulder and down his arm until she got to his hand and held onto his hand for a moment.
She stared up at his masked face then said. “We’ll see each other again. Don’t hesitate to call if you’re in need of help.” then slowly, reluctantly, she let’s go of his hand and walked away.
That was about ten years ago and he hadn’t heard much from her. He had heard a few things here and there about her, like she had started to call herself Manda instead of giving out her real name. And she had stuck with the bounty hunter life style but other than that, he hadn’t heard anything from her.
But those last words she said kept ringing in his ears.
Don’t hesitate to call if you’re in need of help.
He sighs then shakes his head as he gets ready to make the call. Part of him wanted her to answer but part of him didn’t want her to answer. He figured since that it’s been so long, she wouldn’t answer.
She didn’t seem to respond to his call, so he sent out a transmission to her. “I know it’s been years since we’ve talked but….I might need your help on this one. I’m sending you my coordinates now.” He said as he presses a few buttons on his dashboard console. “If you can’t make it….I understand.” He said then he ends the transmission and gets up and leaves the cockpit.
Mando starts to walk out of the Razer Crest and goes to scan the landscape with the scope that was atop of his rifle. He looks around until a large creature comes out of nowhere.
Startled by this, Mando quickly turns on his flame thrower but the creature knocks him down and grabs his arm with its jaw. The creature tosses him around while Mando punches it a few times on the side of its face. It finally let’s go and Mando stands up to regain his composure but the creature charged at him again.
It clamped its jaw on his other arm when a device hits the creature and electrocutes it. The creature falls over and stops moving and Mando starts to pull his arm out when he heard another one of those creatures coming.
He looks up and sees it charging towards him but another device hits it on the side, making the creature fall over. Mando sits up and sees an Ugnaught, holding a rifle, riding one of those creatures.
Mando pulls his arm out of the creatures mouth and looks up at the Ugnaught. "Thank you.“ He said, appreciatively. "You are a bounty hunter.” the Ugnaught said. “Yes.” Mando replied and he looks down at his arm. The Ugnaught looks over the Mandalorian before he says. “I will help you.”
Mando looks up at him for a moment. "I have spoken.“ the Ugnaught said and Mando starts to get up on his feet.
”Many have passed through.“ the Ugnaught, Kuiil as he introduced himself, explained after he and Mando arrived at his residence. "They seek the same one as you.” He said. “Did you help them?” Mando asked him. “Yes. They died.” Kuiil said. “Well, then I don’t know if I want your help.” Mando said. “You do. I can show you to the encampment.” Kuill said.
“What’s your cut?” Mando asked him. “Half.” Kuiil replied. “Half the bounty to guide? Seems steep.” Mando said, questioning. “No. Half of the blurrg you helped capture.” Kuiil said. “The blurrg? You can keep them both.” Mando grumbled.
“No, you will need one. To ride. The way is impossible to pass without a blurrg mount.” Kuiil said as he started to walk out of his home. “I don’t know how to ride blurrg.” Mando told him. “I have spoken.” Kuiil said.
Next thing he knew, Mando was being thrown by a blurrg. He lands on his back then slowly sits up as the Blurrg stares at him and lets put a noise. “Perhaps if you removed your helmet.” Kuiil tells Mando. “Perhaps he remembers I tried to roast him.” Mando said.
“This is a female. The males are all eaten during mating.” Kuiil informs him and Mando sighs as he gets up and tries again. But once again, he was tossed backwards again. “I don’t have time for this.” Mando said, impatiently, as he gets up and walks over to Kuiil. “Do you have a Landspeeder or Speeder bike that I could hire?” he asked. “You are Mandalorian! Your ancestors rode the great Mythosaur. Surely you can ride this young foal.” Kuiil said and Mando stands there for a moment before turning back to the Blurrg.
“Easy. Easy. Now, all right.” Mando said to the Blurrg as he slowly approaches it. It bucks a bit and he steps back for a moment. “Settle down. Whoa! Settle. Settle.” He said, calmly, then he continues to approach it with caution. “That’s good. That’s good. Easy. Okay. That’s good. All right.” He said as he comes up to it and pets it before he finally mounts the creature. Luckily, it doesn’t throw him.
So Kuiil went to mount his Blurrg and the two take off and made their way across the desert landscape. Eventually, they make it towards this ridge to see a small village with a large building in the center of it.
“That is where you’ll find your quarry.” Kuiil said and Mando hands him a bag of credits. Kuiil waves him off. “Please. You deserve this.” Mando tells him. “Since these ones arrived, this territory has been an endless stream of mercenaries seeking reward and bringing destruction.” Kuiil tells him.
“Then why did you guide me?” Mando asked him, curiously. “They do not belong here. Those that live here come to seek peace. There will be no peace until they’re gone.” Kuiil replied. “Then why do you help?” Mando asked him. “I have never met a Mandalorian. I’ve only read the stories. If they are true, you will make quick work of it. Then there will again be peace.” Kuiil said then he raised his hand
“I have spoken.” he said and he steers the blurrg and sets off back to his home.
Later, Mando was scoping out the encampment from a far off cliff. He scans the area with his binoculars when he noticed a droid walking up towards the encampment. “Oh, no. Bounty Droid.” he mutters in disappointment while the droid walks up to the people that were in the encampment.
“Subparagraph 16 of the Bondsman Guild protocol waiver compels you to immediately produce said asset.” the droid, IG-11, said to the people. But they started firing at him and of course he fired back until the rest of the people hole up. “Droids.” Mando said, exasperated, as he stands up and makes his way down to the encampment.
“Subparagraph 16 of the Bondsman Guild protocol waiver compels you to immediately produce said asset.” IG-11 said as he kept firing his blasters. Then Mando appears from behind a pillar.
“IG Unit! Stand down.” Mando shouts then the droid fires a shot at Mando, making him fall backward. The droid then comes towards him but Mando holds his hands up. “I’m in the Guild!” He shouts and IG-11 stops firing. “You are a Guild member?” the droid asked. “I thought I was the only one on assignment.”
“That makes two of us. So much for the element of surprise.” Mando said to the droid. “Sadly, I must ask for your fob. I have already issued the writ of seizure. The bounty is mine.” IG-11 tells him. “Unless I’m mistaken, you are, as of yet, empty-handed.” Mando said. “This is true.” IG-11 replied
“I have a suggestion.” Mando said. “Proceed.” IG-11 encourages. “We split the reward.” Mando said and the droid thinks for a quick moment. “This is acceptable.” The droid said. “Great. Now let’s regroup, out of harm’s way, and form a plan.” Mando tells him.
“I will of course receive the reputation merits associated with the mission.” IG-11 said. “Can we talk about this later?” Mando asked, a bit impatientl. “I require an answer if I am to proceed–” IG-11 started to say when there was a gunshot sounded out and hit the droid. But it didn’t harm him, just turned on his alarm bell.
“Oh, no. Alert. Alert. Alert.” IG-11 said and both the droid and Mando take cover as the guards started firing at them. “Let’s go!” Mando said as they run and dodge gunfire. Mando pulls out the fob and points it to a steel door, which let’s out a ping.
“He’s in there!” Mando exclaimed. “Affirmative.” IG-11 said but the guards then continued on with the gunfire. Mando and the droid fired back. “Up top!” Mando tells the droid and the droid aims his gun towards the roof of one of the small buildings and shoots one of the gunman.
Mando and the droid then took cover behind pillars while the enemies began to surround them. “It appears we are trapped. I will initiate self-destruct sequencing.” IG-11 said and Mando, quickly, turned to him.
“Whoa! You’re what?” Mando asked, shocked and confused. “Manufacturers Protocol dictates I cannot be captured. I must self-destruct.” the droid informed him. “Do not self-destruct.” Mando tells him then he looks out towards the enemies before turning to the droid. “Cover me!” He tells the droid and he goes to open the door while IG-11 fires at the guards and tries to take out as many as he could.
Unfortunately, Mando couldn’t open the door then he looks back at the droid. “Go! Go! Go!” he yells and they go back behind the pillars. “There’s too many!” Mando shouts as gunfire continued. Mando tried to get a shot but there was so many guards and thousands of gunshots off it was hard to keep up.
“They got us pinned.” Mando said just as the guards bring out a heavy gun. “I will initiate self-destruct.” IG-11 said as a little red light started to come on his chest. “Do not self-destruct! We’re shooting our way out.” Mando shouts and the droid goes back to normal.
They come out of hiding until they saw the heavy gun. “Okay…” Mando said, worried, and they take cover again. “New plan!” he shouts as the heavy gun began to fire. “Beginning self-destruct countdown.” IG-11 said once again. “No! Stop it!” Mando yells just as he hears the gunfire stop.
Puzzled, he looks over and sees that the guns were aiming somewhere else beside them. “What the…?” Mando asked when one of the gunman vaporized. “It appears we have company.” IG-11 said as the other gunmen started to fire while a couple more people got vaporized.
Then a figure flew in and knocked the guy off of the heavy gun. The figure and the gunman fall onto the ground then the figure starts to get up and the gunman started to attack the figure, which Mando could tell was a woman.
She had dark blue pants and a long sleeve black shirt with familiar Mandalorian armor covering her legs, arms, shoulders and chest but she didn’t have a helmet on. And she was wearing a brown leather jacket over her clothes.
A couple of gunmen started to aim at her as her and the other gunman fought, making Mando realize he need to make a plan, fast. He turns to the droid and said. “Draw their fire, I’ll take them out."
”Acceptable.“ The droid said and Mando nods. "Go!” Mando shouts and the Droid runs out to draw fire while Mando grapples the heavy gun, jumps on it and shoots all the remaining enemies. After punching one of the gunmen a few times, the woman takes cover as Mando finished taking out the enemies.
“Well done. I will disengage self-destruct initiative.” The droid said as Mando helps him up. “You know, you’re not so bad. For a droid.” he said. “Agreed.” said the droid and Mando looks over the droid. “That blaster hit looks nasty. You okay?” Mando asked the droid. “Running a quick diagnostic. It has missed my central wiring harness.” the droid replied.
“Is that good?” Mando asked. “Yes.” replied the droid.
“Never thought I’d see the day where you teamed up with a droid.” A female voice replied and the droid and Mando look over to see the woman who came to the rescue. Now that he was able to get a clear look at her, he could see the familiar (h/c) and the (e/c) eyes.
“(Y/n).” Mando greets, calmly, and she smirks at him. “Hello, Mando.” She said then she looks around her until she pulls out her own tracking fob. “I’m guessing this is the job you ask my help for?” She asked as she holds up the fob. “You too?” He asked her and she nods.
“Yep. I was on my way here when I got your transmission. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole Guild got this job.” (Y/n) said, shrugging. “Neither would I.” Mando said and (y/n) looks over at the droid. “Guessing, you’re part of the Guild?” She said. “That is correct.” IG-11 replied and (y/n) looks over at her old friend with smirk.
“Thanks for saving us.” Mando tells her and her smile grew wider. “Just like old times, huh?” She said with a bit of sarcasm in her voice. Mando chuckles a little before he said. “Yeah, like old times.”
She winks at him then the two share a look before (y/n) speaks up. “So, now what?” She asked. “Now we just need to get the door open.” Mando said and the three shoot the door open with the heavy gun. Inside, a lone enemy jumps out but was immediately shot down by the droid.
“Anyone else?” Mando asked and (y/n) looks down at her fob. “The tracking fob is still active.” She said as it continued to beep.
“My sensors indicate that there is a life form present.” IG-11 said and Mando scans the room. The tracking fob leads them to an egg shaped container and (y/n) goes to open it. “Wait. They said 50 years old.” Mando said as they stare at the lifeform in the container.
“Species age differently. Perhaps it could live many centuries.” IG-11 said as a little green hand moves away its blanket, revealing a small green long-eared child. Suddenly, (y/n) had a wave of curiosity overcome her as she stares at the little one’s big brown eyes. She didn’t know why but…she felt something for the little one, like some sort’ve connection.
“Sadly, we’ll never know.” IG-11 said as it starts to raise its gun but (y/n) speaks up, quickly. “No. We’ll bring it in alive.” She said to the droid. “The commission was quite specific. The asset was to be terminated.” IG-11 said as the child looks between the trio.
(Y/n) and Mando stare at the child just as a shot rings out, which made (y/n) flinch a bit. She turns her head and sees that Mando had shot the droid as it fell over dead.
Then the two look back at the child and the Mandalorian and Dar'manda raise their pointer fingers towards the child and he raises both of his little claws out to them.
A/N: the topping Din fic is finally here and I hope y’all like it! Shoutout to @pala-din-djarin for giving me the Din’ika idea and allowing me to use it <3
Din wasn’t as experienced as you were in bed, but this wasn’t exactly the first time you ever fucked him. Still, he made it sound like your pussy was driving him insane, and you could tell by the look on his face that he was already desperately trying to hold off his orgasm.
