May The Way Be With You

New Job

Another month passes as Mando collects his bounties. I'm scrambling to find repairs now, trying to continue to be useful to Mando. I know he said I don't have to constantly be productive, but old habits die hard. I got his bunk door fixed, the wiring is organized and beautiful looking, and the only thing I can really do is wash and shine her up like a new credit.

Mando has been more silent for the past month. Not in a bad way, more like it's just his nature. He does make sure I'm ok, and tells me anything I need to know, but he hasn't spoken about anything else. Part of me wonders if I did something to upset him, while another part of me believes it just means he's relatively comfortable with me. That he doesn't feel the need to fill the silence.

We're on our way back to Nevarro to turn in the bounties. Wonder how Karga will take the news that I've got the ship fully functional. Probably impressed. I'm once again in the side seat, still fascinated with hyperspace. "Listen..." Mando starts, making me jump slightly from the suddenness. "When we get to Nevarro, there's something I need to do. Do you mind heading to the cantina to let Karga know I'll be a little late?" He asks.

"I don't mind at all." I tell him. He thanks me and we go back to silence. We land near the town a few hours later, and I get ready to head for the cantina. Mando leaves first, then I head out, securing the ship. There are a lot more ships than normal parked outside the city. I ignore them and move on. Half way to the cantina, I have that feeling of being watched again, and I find a red Mandalorian in the shadows. This one just disappears once they realize I see them.

I make a mental note to ask Mando if there are more of his people here, and get to the cantina without further distractions. Once inside, I sit with Karga. "Mando asked me to inform you he will be a little late." I tell him as I take a seat.

"Oh, thank you. I'm glad you're here, actually. I have an offer for you." Karga smiles at me. I lift an eyebrow and he continues, "One of the mechanic shops is falling behind. I assume you saw the extra ships when you and Mando landed."

"I did notice more ships than usual." I comment, wondering where he's going with this.

"So, I was hoping you would help them out for a bit. Of course, you will be paid for your work, and I have a spare room you can stay in. And it wouldn't be permanent, just long enough for them to catch up." He offers. I rest my chin in my hand and elbow on the table, thinking.

If I stay and help, Mando would probably realize he doesn't need me anymore. It makes me.... Sad to think that. But, it's an offer of employment. If I show this shop how much of an asset I am, even if Mando doesn't want me as his mechanic anymore, maybe I can work full time and make a living for myself here.

I look up at Karga, who seems hopeful. "Allow me to speak with Mando first. He is my employer after all." I tell him.

"Understandable! I wouldn't want to step on his toes." Karga nods. As we wait for Mando to arrive, I think. I find I'm split on what I want Mando to answer with. If he says yes, I can help people and possibly make a good living. But I'll also be sad if he says yes, like he doesn't want me around anymore.

On the flip side, if he says no, I'll be bored on his ship. But I get to stay with him. I go back and forth, finally settling on leaving it to Mando to decide. After Karga meets with a couple other bounty hunters, who essentially ignore me as they do business, Mando finally arrives. He sits next to me and he and Karga do their business. Once it's finished, Karga clears his throat.

"So, Mando, I was wondering if you would mind us borrowing Thief for a little while. I've already spoken to-" Karga starts, but is interrupted.

"No. She stays with me." He states strongly. Both Karga and I look at him in surprise.