Metanoia | The Mandalorian ON HOLD

Chapter 13

They have been flying for a few days now with no particular destination in mind. Juno was currently playing with the child, throwing back and forth the little ball that the child liked so much. Their giggling and the cooing and babbling of the child could be heard throughout the Razor Crest as the Mandalorian piloted. After what happened with Toro he finally admitted to himself how much he actually cared for the kids. A while after they left Tatooine he contacted an old friend, looking for a job since they needed the money.

He was setting the coordinates when Juno threw herself into her chair, holding the child in her arms. Noticing what he was doing, Juno couldn't help but ask, "Where are we going next?"

"An old...friend of mine said he has a job for me. I'm gonna see what it is." He replied, not looking at her as he focused on piloting the ship.

"Why'd you make that pause before saying the word friend?" She asked curiously.

"I don't really trust the guy. We used to do jobs together but after some time I left. Hadn't seen him in a long time." He explained. Juno just nodded and didn't ask more questions. When they were nearing the location, Mando turned to look at them. "Before we go on, there's a rule I need to set, so listen." Both kids looked at him. "You do whatever I say, whenever I say it. Are we clear?"

"Yes." She nodded, looking at Mando.

"Repeat it." He pressed, wanting Juno to say the words.

Juno clenched her jaw slightly as she looked into his visor. "What you say goes."

"Good." He nodded to himself and turned back to the controls, preparing to land the ship. Before the kids got to leave the ship, Mando stopped them and opened the door to the sleeping quarters. "You stay here and don't come out until I open the door myself."

"What?! I don't want to stay here! Come on, just let us come with you." Juno whined, wanting to finally leave the Razor Crest if only just for a bit.

"What did we just agree on?" He asked with a serious tone. "Besides, as I said before, I don't trust them so you stay here."

"Fine." She scoffed and went to sit on the bed, taking the child, who was watching the exchange with curiosity, with her. Mando then closed the door and went outside.

He looked around himself, taking in the people around when someone called to him. "Mando. Is that you under that bucket?" The man said and held out his hand.

"Ran." Mando took the hand and shook it.

"I didn't really know if I'd ever see you in these parts again. Good to see you." Said Ran as he put his hand on Mando's shoulder. "You know, to be honest, I was a little surprised when you reached out to me. You know, 'cause I...I hear things. Like, maybe things between you and the Guild aren't workin' out."

"I'll be fine." Replied Mando.

"Okay. Well, you know the policy. No questions. And you, you're welcome back here anytime." He said as he lead Mando through the hangar.

"So, what's the job?" Mando asked after a few minutes.

"Yeah, one of our associates ran afoul of some competitors and got himself caught. So, I'm puttin' together a crew to spring him. It's a five person job. I got four. All I need is the ride, and you brought it." He explained.

"The ship wasn't part of the deal." Said Mando.

"Well the Crest is the only reason I let you back in here." He replied. Mando looked at Ran. "What's the look?" He stepped closer. "Is that gratitude?" He laughed. "Uh-huh. I think it is." He still laughed as he walked past Mando. After a moment, he walked after Ran. "Hey, Mayfeld." He said as they turned a corner.

"Yeah?" Replied the man and turned to face them.

"This is Mando, the guy I was tellin' you about. We used to do jobs way back when." He introduced as Mayfeld approached them.

"This is the guy?" He asked.

"Yeah, we were all young, tryin' to make a name for ourselves." He explained and laughed. "Yeah, but runnin' with a Mandalorian, that was...That brought us some reputation."

"Oh, yeah? What did he get out of it?" Asked Mayfeld and Ran chuckled.

"I asked him that one time. You remember what you said, Mando?" He said. Mando just stayed quiet. "Target practice." He finished and laughed again. "We did some crazy stuff, didn't we?"

"That was a long time ago." Mando finally responded.

"Well...Well, I don't go out anymore. You understand? So, uh, Mayfeld, he's gonna run point on this job. If he says it, it's like it's comin' from me. You good with that?" Explained Ran.

"You tell me." Replied Mando. Ran just laughed again.

"You haven't changed one bit." He said .

"Yeah, well, things have changed around here." Said Mayfeld.

"Yeah, well, Mayfeld, he's...He's one of the best triggermen I've ever seen. Former Imperial sharpshooter." Ran explained.

"That's not saying much." Said Mando, scoffing slightly.

"I wasn't a stormtrooper, wiseass." Defended himself Mayfeld as he glared at Mando and walked away.

"Don't take long, does it?" Ran laughed and lead the way after Mayfeld.

"Razor Crest? I can't believe that thing can fly. Looks like a Canto Bight slot machine." Said Mayfeld as they approached the ship. "Alright. The good-lookin' fellow there with the horns, that's Burg." He continued. Burg dropped the large container he was carrying. "This may surprise you, but he's our muscle."

Burg came closer to Mando, getting into his face. He grunted as he circled Mando, looking him over. "So, this is a Mandalorian. I thought they'd be bigger." He said, going back to his work and Mayfeld chuckled.

"Droid's name is Zero." Continued Mayfeld. The droid approached them as Mando fell his dislike for droids appearing.

"I thought you said you had four." Said Mando.

"He does." Said a voice from behind them. They turned to see a purple Twi'lek approaching them. "Hello, Mando." She continued.

"Xi'an." Said Mando, sighing.

"Tell me why I shouldn't cut you down where you stand?" She said, darting forward and holding a knife to his throat.

"Nice to see you, too."

She laughed. "I missed you." She sighed and took her knife back, tapping Mando's chest plate. "This is shiny. You wear it well." She brought her face closer to his visor.

"Do we need to leave the room or something?" Asked Mayfeld. Mando turned to the rest of the group.

"Poor Xi'an's been a little heartbroken since Mando left our group." Said Ran.

"Aw. You gonna be okay, sweetheart?" Teased Mayfeld.

"Oh, I'm all business now. Learned from the best." She said, pointing the knife at Mando.

"All right, lovebirds. Break it up till you get on the ship. Right now we don't have much time." Said Ran, taking the others to the ship. Xi'an turned to wink at Mando as she walked with the others when Burg once again got into Mando's face.

"Tiny." He laughed.