Arani Jakal was not ready to be stranded on an unfamiliar planet, causing her whole life to change. But in the chaos, a friend or two popped up - seemingly from nowhere - wishing to help. Ari gladly accepted and quickly became part of a small town...
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THE TOWNSFOLK WASTED NO TIME on preparing provisions and explosives. A select few were hustling about the storage container where weapons were held for emergencies. Vanth, Mando, and Arani were inside watching over the proceedings with care.
"Think it'll work?" asked the Marshal.
"It better. Joining forces is their only hope."
Ari crossed her arms and blew a strand of hair away from her face. "You don't sound too confident, Mando."
"No one is, but we've got to make do." Mando glanced at Vanth, who looked just as worried as he felt. The girl had gone from a ray of sunshine - the infamous Lily of the Dune Sea - to an all-time sceptic very quickly. It scared the two.
The three stepped out along with Taanti in tow, watching the horizon. A bantha and its rider came over the crest of the nearest dune then another and another, all suited with weapons and supplies that the villagers didn't have or thought of.
The townspeople looked on in curiosity and bewilderment at the sight. No one truly believed the Tuskens would show up, much less bring the numbers they did. A few squinted with abhor and Ari shifted, hoping beyond words and prayers that nothing would occur. The Raiders hopped off their banthas, immediately gathering the explosives and supplies to strap into the creatures.
The Marshal, Mandalorian, and ex-pilot supervised the scene, making sure everyone held up their side of the bargain.
When Ari thought things would be alright, a Tuskens accidentally dropped one of the explosives that a villager was passing over. The man snapped and started pointing fingers and yelling at the Sand Person.
"Hey! What are you doing? That's an explosive. Are you trying to blow the whole place up?"
The Raider handed the weapon to another before snapping and pushing the man, making matters worse. A bantha grunted with displeasure and the town stopped to watch the fight.
Ari straightened from her position on the wall, ready to interfere. Yet, she stilled when a hand grabbed her arm, tugging her back. The young woman followed the hand up its arm and to its owner: Mando. He shook his head and brought her closer as the fight started to come their way. Ari huffed but stayed slightly behind the bounty hunter who now stood upright.
"What? Is that what you want?" continued the man.
"Take it easy." Vanth had finally made his way to the pair, pushing the Tusken out of the way so he could talk with the hostile guy. "It was an accident, okay?"
"What do you want to do?"
"It was an accident."
The villager and his friend walked off angrily, mumbling to themselves.
