Under the Beskar

Discoveries and Reactions

Inside one of the rooms used as a communication center, the group huddled around a holotable to discuss the map of the area. Cobb discovered that the Imperials have been operating in a base deep inside the mountains of the Mospic High Range, away from the interference of the New Republic.

"What do you mean in the mountains?" Nia frowned. "Don't you mean on?"

"No," Cobb clarified, "in."

Punching a button on a holotable, Fett switches on a holographic image of Tatooine's surface. He skillfully spins the projection around until it revealed a map of the Dune Sea. He zoomed in on the area near mountain range, then he indicates a large open area on top of one of the cliffs. The Mospic contains the tallest peaks on the planet. There are elaborate tunnels that stretched into the depths of the mountains and underneath the earth, an area that was once an enormous underwater cavern. The natural cave systems and the vast subterranean passages in the area are perfect for shelter and supply storage.

"It seems the Imperial Remnants have holed themselves inside a bunker, which was originally built by the Red Key Raiders. They are probably using it because of how well-hidden and fortified it is," Fett explained.

NIA'S POV

As she looks at the map, she feels a leathery hand unexpectedly move on top of hers as her body jerks slightly and she releases a faint gasp. The tips of Fett's gloves gently brushes up against her fingers. While she tried to keep her eyes concentrated on the map in front of her, she felt his helmet intensely focused on her. She can sense the strong influence in his glare, which causes her shiver. This effect is tripled with the delicate, clever rubbing of his gloved fingers over the back of her bare palm. Without using any words, he has made his intentions clear.

Her gaze snaps down to where his hand is touching hers, then she immediately diverts her eyes back up to Din, who isn't looking at them or anyone else. He seemed too busy studying the holoprojector and altering the map to emphasize the terrain. She also notices Fennec in the distance, silently observing her reactions with unchanging curiosity in her eyes. Bossk stood quietly on the other side of Fett, keenly observing the map of the area. She cares for Din and felt a little guilty, and she wonders what he felt about this, if he even noticed anything.

"I can run a reconnaissance. Fett could land his ship over here..." Din says as he points an area of the map. "....while the rest of you set up camp while I pinpoint the exact location of the base. I should be back before nightfall," Din suddenly suggested.

"I'll go with you," Cobb says.

She sees Fett lean back a bit and hears him take a deep breath. He turns his head back towards Din, silently giving him permission to take the lead. He remains absolutely motionless and quiet, except for the soft caresses of his fingers on her hand. He doesn't say a word or even bother removing his hand. This is clearly a deliberate and cunning tactic. His actions sent a cold chill deep in her bones as she watches Din continuously manipulate the map.

"Do we..." Nia begins to say but gulps anxiously. "Uh...know their general location?" She asked in a trembling voice.

Then in the corner of her eyes, she sees Fett's dark green helmet turn back towards her again, the tips of his fingers persistently stroke the back of her knuckles. His movements are so light and subtle that it makes Nia's heart rate increase, and her stomach turn with nervousness. It felt strange, yet unexplainably thrilling at the same time. She could pull her hand away at any time, but instead she ignores it as if she doesn't notice it. Although this man infuriates her, still there was a time she felt this way about Din not to long ago. So far, his actions are gentle and harmless, so she allows it. She had to admit to herself that a shameful, foolish part of her enjoyed having this type of effect on two very powerful and dangerous men. She feels his immense stare continue as Din and Cobb discuss the plan.