The Quarry

The Quarry - Part 21

Versa and Jon talked for hours. She sat on his bed, her back against the footboard, her feet resting on the pillow next to him, just as they'd sat when they were children, telling each other fantastical stories at night before their parents would usher them into their own beds. She told him of how she had been rescued with Din, how they'd been taken in by the Mandalorians, and how she'd left to find him. He told her of how he'd made it off world and didn't even find out about the attack until he disembarked from the transport. He had learned of the destruction of his home and the loss of his family via a news holo in the port.

Lai slipped in from time to time to make sure Jon was taking his medications and to offer them tea and food. Versa had spotted the small child peeking in the door watching them a few times, but Lai had shoo'ed her back out when she made her exit.

"So, you're a dad," Versa said, sipping her tea.

"Yeah. She's only three, but she's got a lot of her namesake in her." Versa looked at him puzzled for a moment before he chuckled. "She's named Versa. For the aunt I wasn't sure she'd ever get to meet."

Versa's cheeks flushed and her eyes fell to her lap. I have a niece. And we have the same name. Cataloging information like that felt strange in her mind, but with the amount she was trying to absorb, it felt like the only way to keep herself from being overwhelmed. Jon watched her over the edge of his cup as he took another sip before setting it on the nightstand and folding his hands across his chest.

"I hear you have a friend with you. A Mandalorian if the beskar is any indication."

She looked at him. "You already know who it is, Jon."

"He stuck with the Mandalorians then."

"Yeah. I tried to get him to go with me when I left, but he was determined to stay. I couldn't change his mind."

Jon cocked his head. "See, that surprises me. He followed you everywhere when you were kids. You two were practically joined at the hip."

Versa stared into her mug and gave a small shrug. "He had his path, and I had mine."

He smirked at her. "I'm glad you two found each other again. Last I'd heard, you were working alone."

"I was. Actually, he was given the bounty for me by the guy that I got in deep shit with, and he was the one who brought me in."

Jon tipped his head back and laughed loudly, and Versa nudged his feet next to her. "What?"

Her brother grinned at her. "Of course he caught you. He's been chasing you since you were both kids. You were inseparable, and he was in love with you."

Versa's cheeks flushed again, a deeper shade of red now. Jon leaned forward. "I see the feeling was mutual. Or perhaps still is."

She gave him a light shove. "We may have...reconnected a bit."

"Oh, is that what you're calling it now?"

"Your child may be right outside the door eavesdropping. Behave."

Jon leaned back against the headboard, smiling widely. "Honestly, I am very happy you found each other. It made me sad to think of you out wandering the galaxy by yourself."

"You did it just as long as I did."

"Yeah, but I'm your big brother, and I worry about you."

They sat in silence for several minutes as Jon picked up his tea again and drank.

"So, you love him?"

"Jon, really?"

"It's an honest question."