May The Way Be With You

Joining Mando

The wind is extremely cold today. I'm in an alleyway, curled up behind a few trash compactors trying to stay warm. Due to an upcoming festival, it's impossible to steal enough food for myself and the others. Can't even stay in front of the warmer vents, the guards have cleared out anywhere visitors will be going, and patrol it constantly to keep us away.

My stomach hurts from hunger. I have no idea how long it's been since I've had even a scrap of bread, or a nibble of a ration bar. I don't know how I haven't died of starvation, I've seen kids die from starvation well before the point I'm at now. Is this it? Is this the end for me? Survived the orphanage and the strip club only to die from starvation and exposure?

I hear footsteps coming down the alley, and pray there aren't more guards. Seems some higher power was listening, for it's a Mandalorian and his bounty. I sigh when I see it's Grognic. "Told you, you should have kept running. Bounties always get caught when they stay in one place for too long." I call out to the bounty. He wasn't exactly a friend, but he did help me and the other homeless ones.

Grognic nods, and the Mandalorian seems to be staring at me. I hug my legs tighter, trying to keep as warm as possible. They move on and I sigh. We're down a really good thief now. He was able to get food and clothes for the younger ones a lot better than me. Then again, bright purple hair is hard to cover, especially when every piece of clothing we get goes to the younger kids.

A while later I hear footsteps again, and look up to see that Mandalorian from before walking towards me. I watch him and That Feeling, a gut instinct I've had all my life, tells me he means no harm. His armor looks half rusted, save for his shiny helmet. He kneels down in front of me, and from my reflection in his helmet, I look like I'm already half way in the grave.

Without a word, he hands me a full ration bar. I look at it, unsure if he's really giving me food. "Go on, take it." He says, voice modulated from his helmet. I slowly reach out, waiting for him to snatch it back and make me earn it. I grab it and he lets go of the bar. I immediately open it and take small, slow bites, not wanting to eat too fast and end up throwing it up. I hear him chuckle lightly as I eat. "I'm surprised. Figured you'd wolf that down in a single bite." He says.

"Then I'd throw it up and just waste a ration bar." I tell him. He nods, then reaches into his pocket. He pulls out three more ration bars.

"I factored that in. Here." He says, handing me the bars. I take them and put them in my pocket, watching him.

"Why are you being nice to me? Not to sound ungrateful, of course, it's just... People aren't nice to me." I ask, guarded. He sighs and looks down for a moment before looking back up.

"A long time ago, I was just like you. Alone and afraid. I was helped." He tells me. When he doesn't elaborate, I nod and wrap up the half a bar I have left, saving it for later. He looks at me for a few moments. "Tell me, do you know how to repair ships? Preferably Pre-Empire." He asks. I snort as I pocket the half a ration bar.

"I can fix anything. Ships from any era, weapons, clothes. If I can't fix it, it's beyond repair." I tell him. He nods.

"Good. I have a Razor Crest, and could use an on board mechanic. I can give you a place to sleep, food to eat, and ten percent of my bounty fees. What do you say?" He offers. I think for a few moments. The other homeless kids are old enough to care for themselves, and kind enough to help newly homeless kids. They don't need me anymore.

"I accept." I smile. He holds out his gloved hand and I reach out mine, shaking to seal the deal. He then stands up and pulls me up. I practically fly up, not expecting it.

"Sorry, I didn't think you'd be so light." He says, helping me catch my balance. I nod, and he starts walking. I follow behind him, and remember how the dock workers are.