Another Way: A Mandalorian Story

Wer'cuy

Wer'cuy - [Wair-COO-ee] - It was ages ago. - colloquial, often used as "Forget it" or "It doesn't matter"

Summary: Din must learn to trust Bo-Katan in the midst of preparing for battle against Moff Gideon

The air is heavy with tension, making the cockpit feel suffocating, as if the duralloy walls are closing in around you. Standing with your arms folded across your body, you watch Din stand in front of the comm system, contemplating whether he should make the call. Honestly, you can't blame him for being hesitant

Your mind recalls what you told Din after leaving Bo-Katan on Lothal.

Even if Bo-Katan's somehow grown as a person and is no longer a psychopathic terrorist, I know we could never trust her, could never forget what she has done.

It hardly been three weeks and nothing has changed since then. Why should you trust anything she has to say?

"Are you sure you want to do this?" you inquire, understanding completely if he wants to walk away.

"It's just a call," Din replies without looking at you. "It shouldn't be this difficult to make."

"It's difficult because we don't know if she's trustworthy," you enlighten him.

"Cara trusted her," he says gently.

"Cara's parents weren't killed in an attack orchestrated by Bo-Katan's group," you remind him harshly, as if he needs reminding. "She, unlike you, has no reason to distrust her."

You realize you are talking about her in the present tense as soon as you finish speaking.

"Had...," you solemnly correct yourself. "Had no reason to distrust her."

Din turns and looks at you glumly. "I know. But what could it hurt? She could know nothing at all. Fuck, she could lead us on a wild Bantha chase if she wants to. But she's the only lead we have right now. There is no other option but to sit here with our thumbs up our ass while Gideon runs free."

Shrugging your shoulders, you say, "I mean, I wouldn't be mad if I had something up my-"

"Don't finish that sentence," Din gently scolds, a gloved finger pointed at you.

You can't help but let out a stifled giggle, which seems to melt his tension. He lets his shoulders fall while releasing a breath.

"You're right," you assure him. "It won't hurt to at least make the call. So, what are you waiting for?"

Nodding, he turns back to the comm system. Reluctantly, he activates the device and initiates the call. Before you know it, Bo-Katan is shimmering blue in front of him, a self-satisfied smirk on her face when she seems to recognize the man projecting in her presence.

"Well. Look what the loth-cat finally dragged in," she greets, speaking with a certain smugness about her. Her performance is impeccable. You wouldn't believe that Din just put her in her place a few weeks before if you hadn't been there to witness it.

"To what do I owe this honor, Mand'alor?" She emphasizes the word mockingly, as if hoping it will push his buttons, causing you to silently pray to the Maker he can keep his temper in check.

"You know why I'm here, Kryze," Din scowls. "Don't make me spell it out."

Bo-Katan sniggers. She reaches for something on her belt, unlatching it and taking it in her right hand. Suddenly, you hear the familiar hum of the Darksaber, and you watch as it glows beside her on the holoprojecter.