May The Way Be With You

Reunion

Next morning, I'm in the cantina with a hungover Karga, helping Hepsa repair the piano while waiting for Mando to arrive. I have my packed bags under Karga's table, ready to go when Mando is. I can feel he's close, probably just entering the atmosphere now. "Alright, that should do it. You know how to play?" Hepsa asks, closing the lid where the strings are.

"Not really. Only a few songs the headmistress made us learn to play when she wanted to be entertained." I tell her, opening the cover on the keys. I reach out with That Feeling, and I know Mando is walking down the road. I pick a soft song that I know, and start playing it. I'm halfway through the song when Mando enters the cantina. I don't even have to use That Feeling to know he's here.

"Dammit Mando! You made me lose a bet!" Karga groans, still nursing his hangover. I grin as I hear Mando take a seat. As they do their business, I finish the song and start playing a more energetic song. I hear Karga sing my praises, about how I "singlehandedly fixed every ship", making Hepsa look at him in disbelief while shaking her head.

"Don't lie to him, Karga. Everyone else worked hard together to get the work done." I call over. Eventually, Karga asks Mando if he's feeding me properly on his ship, and making sure I'm getting enough rest. I can feel Mando's ire, and send out calming feeling to him. Once Karga is satisfied I'll be ok on the Crest, I cover the piano keys and pat Hepsa's shoulder.

She smiles at me with a nod, and makes me promise to visit. I make my way to the table and sit next to Mando. He faces me, and I can feel some conflicted emotions from him. "You've made quite the name for yourself in just two months. Karga doesn't give praise lightly like that." He says, voice even.

"You've seen how good a worker I am." I smile. I noticed his hand slightly twitch, but don't draw attention to it.

"If you wanted... You could stay here. Have plenty to do, have some stability. Not be stuck on my ship all the time in the middle of nowhere." He says. My heart drops, and I get a cold feeling.

"You... Don't want me to come with you?" I ask, smile dropping.

"That's not what I said. It's your life, you live it the way you want to. I'm asking if you would like to stay here. I... Don't want you to feel forced into returning to the Crest." He says. I sigh in relief, then smile at him again.

"I'd get bored here. I want to rejoin you on your ship, if you'll have me." I tell him. I can feel the joy come off him in waves, and hear a slight huff.

"Alright then. Let's go." He says, standing up. I grab my backpack and duffle bag, making sure I had put my earnings in the backpack. Once I'm sure, I start to follow Mando.

"Hey, Kid!!!" Karga calls. I turn around and he pulls out a bag. "Don't forget your bet winnings! I don't want anyone to say I didn't hold up my end of the bet!" He laughs. I chuckle and grab the bag, thanking him. I follow Mando to the Crest, waving and calling out to people who wish me safe travels.

When I see the Crest, my heart is warmed. I follow Mando onto the ship, and I take a deep breath, the smell of metal crates, carbonite residue, and something unique to Mando filling my nose. I feel myself fully relax, and drop my bags and bed foam on the floor next to a crate. The area where my bed area was is filled with crates, and I don't see the tarp with my lights on it.

I also notice some dents in the paneling and support beams. Mando closes the ramps and stands near the ladder to the cockpit. I look to him and smile, so glad to be back. He seems to be looking me over, and he says, "You look a lot healthier than when I last saw you."

"Thank you. Karga and Fiona basically made me eat more than ration bars, so I'm not surprised I've gained a little meat." I smirk. He nods, then climbs up the ladder. I feel the ship come to life, and sit on the floor as we enter space. I feel That Feeling tell me I need to see something, so I close my eyes and let it flow through me.