The Mandalorian

Chapter 3: The Sin

They were nearing Nevarro, having left hyperspace, they were moments away from entering the upper atmosphere, and soon enough would be back on land. Estella was meditating in her seat, the quietness of travelling with a Mandalorian and not having to pilot a ship, she was quite happy to have the opportunity to do so. 

The child peaked out from the pram, looking at her, then him, then a shiny ball. Which he decided he wanted. The beep of a message coming through sounded, Mando answered, unaware of what was transpiring behind him. It was Greef Karga, who was very pleased with the news. 

"Mando. I've received your transmission. Wonderful news. Upon your return, deliver the quarry directly to the client." Greef's little hologram stood there, hands on his hips, holding himself in a way that screamed importance. He chuckled at the thought of the client. 

Her mediation was broken, Estella was now listening in, not too fond of what she was hearing, while the kid had clambered onto the control board, reaching for the silver ball. "I have no idea if he wants to eat it or hang it on his wall, but he's very antsy." The child was turning the ball, loosening it from the lever it was attached to. "Safe passage! You know where to find me." 

The transmission was ended, Estella now leaning to the side, watching the kid chew on the silver handle of a lever. Mando's gloved hand reached for the ball, confiscating it from the child, his ears drooped as he watched the bounty hunter take it away from him, placing it on the console. Then picking him up by his clothing, the kid dangling there before being placed in back in the pram. 

"It's not a toy." He tried not to look at the child, but turned his head back to him anyway. The kids large eyes looking back at the armoured man, cooing gently, his ears lifting, only to droop again as the Mandalorian turned away again. Estella smiled fondly, the urge to protect the child becoming over bearing. She really did not want to give the kid up, but there was little choice. Perhaps she could steal the child from the client. Taking out storm troopers is always an easier feat than going up against a Mandalorian. She may have been taught the Way of the Mandalore but he was forever practicing it, following the oath and codes of his creed. 

"Thanks for the ride." He landed the ship, spinning his chair back to look at her fully. 

"Thanks for the help." She stood, forcing him to tilt his head up to look at her. 

"You should meet the client alone, they might not take too kindly to me being there, I'll be waiting outside." She didn't wait for him to agree or disagree. Instead she gave the child one last look before leaving the cockpit. Mando followed her out, both making their way through the town and to the client.

*-*-*

The kid looked around the place, watching the people in the marketplace before looking up at the bounty hunter beside him. Upon reaching the general area she backed off, slipping into the shadows so she wouldn't be spotted by the client or any troopers.

Mando knocked on the door. The eyestalk of a droid popped out asking to scan the chit. He held it up, once the droid was satisfied the door clanked open, two storm troopers stepped out. Looking the Mandalorian up and down, then their eyes turned to the child. One motioned for them to enter, the second Stormtrooper following in behind the Mandalorian. 

Now all Estella could do was wait. 

*-*-*

The trooper in front grabbed the pram, rather roughly. It rubbed Mando the wrong way. He couldn't help the tone of his voice. 

"Easy with that." The trooper didn't appreciate being told what to do by anyone other than his superiors. He turned back to Mando, giving him barely a glance.