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.